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Abdominal angina is postprandial abdominal pain that occurs in individuals with insufficient blood flow to meet mesenteric visceral demands.[1] The term angina is used in reference to angina pectoris, a similar symptom due to obstruction of the coronary artery. The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary defines abdominal angina as "Intermittent abdominal pain, frequently occurring at a fixed time after eating, caused by inadequacy of the mesenteric circulation. Also called intestinal angina."
Pathophysiology The pathophysiology is similar to that seen in angina pectoris and intermittent claudication. The most common cause of abdominal angina is atherosclerotic vascular disease, where the occlusive process commonly involves the ostia and the proximal few centimeters of the mesenteric vessels. It can be associated with: Frequency - Internationally: Extremely rare. True incidence is unknown
- Race: No data available
- Sex: Females outnumber males by approximately 3 to 1
- Age: Mean age of affected individuals is slightly older than 60 years
Clinical - Hallmark of condition: Disabling midepigastric or central abdominal pain within 10 15 minutes after eating.
- Physical examination: The abdomen typically is scaphoid and soft, even during an episode of pain. Patients present with stigmata of weight loss and signs of peripheral vascular disease, particularly aortoiliac occlusive disease, may be present.
- Causes: Smoking is an associated risk factor. In most series, approximately 75-80% of patients smoke.
Treatment Stents have been used in the treatment of abdominal angina.[5][6] See also References de:Angina abdominalis es:Angina intestinal pl:Angina abdominalis
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