Mesenteric vascular sonography evaluates the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), and inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) using Doppler ultrasound to detect stenosis or occlusion that may cause chronic mesenteric ischemia (intestinal angina) or acute bowel ischemia.
The examination requires the patient to fast to minimize bowel gas interference. Sonographers measure peak systolic and end-diastolic velocities in the mesenteric vessels both fasting and, when indicated, postprandially to unmask flow-limiting stenosis. Portal and mesenteric venous assessment may also be included to evaluate portal hypertension or venous thrombosis.
Mesenteric vascular duplex is a subspecialty application of vascular technology (RVT credential). It is performed in hospital vascular labs and at academic medical centers where mesenteric ischemia is evaluated and treated by vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. Technical proficiency requires strong knowledge of abdominal vascular anatomy and familiarity with pitfalls from bowel gas and respiratory motion.