title: Vasculitis of the mesenteric circulation.
abstract: Vasculitis of the mesenteric circulation is an uncommon but life-threatening manifestation of systemic vasculitis. Initial symptoms are frequently non-specific and therefore patients often present to primary care physicians and gastroenterologists with abdominal pain or gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the severity of the conditions associated with mesenteric vasculitis, it is imperative to appropriately diagnose and initiate treatment of suspected cases. This review will focus on diseases commonly associated with vasculitis of the mesenteric vessels. Imaging characteristics and clinical features assisting in diagnosis as well as initial approaches to treatment are emphasized.
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Electronic address: koster.matthew@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Matthew J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Koster
authors.affiliation: Division of Rheumatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. Electronic address: warrington.kenneth@mayo.edu.
authors.forename: Kenneth J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Warrington
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases; D006801:Humans; D013152:Splanchnic Circulation; D014657:Vasculitis / Q000209:etiology*
keywords: Autoimmune diseases; Gastrointestinal diseases; Mesentery; Vasculitis