Clinical anatomy

1. The coelic axis syndrome: This occurs when the coeliac trunk is compressed by the diaphragmatic crura leading to reduced blood supply to the foregut structures. It presents with pain in these structures.
2. Intestinal angina: This may follow atherosclerosis or other narrowing of the mesenteric arteries causing ischaemic pain in the intestines. It is worsened by eating and so victims tend to avoid eating. The impaired absorption and food avoidance lead to wasting of the victims.
3. Mesenteric artery thrombosis: This is a rare condition that causes gut gangrene
4. Water shed areas: The areas of the colon where branches of major arteries are vulnerable to ischaemia.
5. Portal hypertension: If portal pressure increases say from compression of portal vein or liver fibrosis, veins at portosystemic anastomosis distend. In the esophagus-esophageal varices in the rectum- haemorrhoids; at the umbilus- caput medussae.