The Syndrome of "Mesenteric Arteritis" Following Surgical Repair of Aortic Coarctation

The mesenteric arteritis syndrome describes a group of complications which may follow surgical repair of coarctation of the aorta. The etiology is unknown but there appears to be a direct relationship to the hypertension which is observed in the postoperative period in these cases. Recognition of this complication and early treatment of the hypertension with antihypertensive drugs will shorten the duration of symptoms, and may prevent the development of bowel necrosis and possible death.