Radiological study on the small intestine in the elderly

ABSTRACT

Intestinal follow through was done in 20 male individuals aged above 60. Mesenteric angiography was carried out in 6 old male individuals. The findings revealed intestinal hypotonicity as evidenced by increase in calibre and prolonged in transit time; as well as coarse mucosal pattern. Mesenteric angiography revealed atherosclerotic changes in the mesenteric blood vessels as evidenced by tortuosity, attenuation and irregularities in the wall of the main trunk. Amputation of the small tributaries was also noted. This atherosclerotic narrowing can be responsible in part for the diminished absorption in old age through reduction in regional blood flow and mucosal atrophy