Also known as mesenteric vascular disease, mesenteric ischemia is an injury of the small intestine due to a lack of blood supply. It can be sudden or gradual, developing over time into one of the three stages: hyperactive, paralytic and shock. Symptoms Abdominal pain Abdominal bloating Bloody stools Systemic shock (dehydration, decreased blood pressure, rapid heart rate, confusion) Treatment Treatment usually includes anticoagulation medications to prevent clots that would block blood flow to the small intestine. In some cases, surgery is required to remove a blockage.