Findings in mesenteric arterial vasoconstriction:
(1) narrowing at the origins of the major branches of the superior mesenteric artery
(2) irregularities in the intestinal branches (segments of narrowing, zones of beading, abnormal tapering, "string of sausage sign")
(3) spasm of the intestinal arcades
(4) impaired filling of intramural vessels
NOTE: Diagramatic figures showing these findings are available in the articles by Kaleya et al. Angiographic images are given in the paper by Siegelman et al.
Additional features that can be used if a baseline angiogram is available for comparison:
(5) a greater degree of aortic reflux
(6) slowing of flow with a decreased rate of filling of the peripheral blood vessels
If one or more of these features are present, then the angiographic examination is considered positive for mesenteric arterial vasoconstriction.
