Intestinal circulation in coeliac disease: an angiographic study.

Selective angiography of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) was performed in 14 patients with coeliac disease and in 20 sex- and age-matched patients without malabsorption. In coeliac disease there was a significant increase in the SMA diameter and a significantly shortened intestinal circulation time as compared to controls, reflecting an increased blood flow and/or a reduced blood volume in the diseased intestine.