What is ischemic colitis primarily caused by?

Ischemic colitis occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the colon, which can result in inflammation and damage to the colonic tissue. This is often due to narrowed or blocked blood vessels that supply the colon, leading to a reduction in oxygen and nutrients necessary for the healthy functioning of the colon. Factors contributing to inadequate blood flow can include atherosclerosis, embolisms, or conditions that affect blood circulation, which can compromise the colon's blood supply and result in ischemic injury. This condition typically manifests with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and sometimes rectal bleeding, emphasizing the role of reduced blood flow in its pathophysiology.

Increased blood flow to the colon, viral infections, and genetic factors do not directly cause ischemic colitis. Increased blood flow, in fact, would alleviate ischemia rather than create it. While infections and genetic predispositions may impact colon health, they are not the primary causes of ischemic colitis specifically.