Characteristics of atherosclerotic lesion of the abdominal aorta and its unpaired visceral branches in patients with chronic abdominal ischemia

Aim. To study characteristics of echocardiographycally detectable structural changes of the abdominal major arteries due to atherosclerosis with consideration of clinical symptoms.
Material and methods. 174 participants of the study had chronic abdominal ischemia (CAI). 20 healthy individuals served as control. The analysis was made of the data obtained at clinical laboratory tests, endoscopic and x-ray examinations, ultrasound investigation (USI) of the abdominal organs, USI of abdominal arteries in B-mode, transabdominal USI of the vertebral column. Results. Echographically detectable signs of atherosclerotic affection of abdominal arteries in CAI patients are the following: increased lumen of the abdominal aorta (AA), unpaired visceral arteries in proximal and/or distal parts, relative narrowing of unpaired visceral arteries at the site of their origin from the aorta, lengthening of the abdominal aorta, S-shape configuration of the aorta on the longitudinal sections, thick aortal wall, unpaired visceral arteries, uneven thickness of the wall, plane foci of high echogenicity on the internal surface of the vascular wall, single or multiple hyperechogenic foci responsible for partial obstruction in the vessels.
Conclusion. Degenerative changes of the intervertebral disks and corresponding atherosclerotic changes of the abdominal aorta, atherosclerotic affection of the unpaired visceral arteries may cause abdominal pain syndrome in CAI patients.

chronic abdominal ischemia, atherosclerosis, abdominal aorta, unpaired visceral arteries, ultrasound diagnosis