Mid-term outcomes of endovascular treatment for symptomatic chronic mesenteric ischemia

The authors would present the mid-term outcomes with the use of stent-supported angioplasty in the treatment of symptomatic chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). The present study is a retrospective analysis of 36 patients undergoing endovascular treatment of symptomatic CMI, between November 2000 and September 2009. Primary study endpoints were defined as primary patency, periprocedural and midterm mortality and complications, and symptom improvement after intervention. Forty-one mesenteric arteries (77.3% stenotic and 22.7% occluded vessels) were treated in 36 patients with 42 stents. In 30 patients (83.3%) one visceral artery and in 6 cases (16.7%) two visceral arteries were treated. Overall mortality was 16.7% (n=6) after a 60-month follow-up (mean follow-up period 30.1 months). Two early (<30-day) deaths were caused by visceral ischemia (n=2: 5.5%). Late death was procedure-related in one patient with re-occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery after 12 months. The other 3 patients died from non procedure-related causes; e.g. twice myocardial infarction. Initial symptom relief was observed in 29 patients (80.5%); 7 patients reported no change. Primary patency was 83.3% after 5 years and secondary patency was 90.5% (38 out of 42 stents) among all patients. Two conversions to open surgery were documented. First-line endovascular approach of CMI is a reasonable strategy. Close follow-up is mandatory due to symptom recurrence and restenosis.