What Does "Splanchnic" Mean in Medical Context?
Splanchnic refers to the visceral organs and blood vessels within the abdominal cavity, specifically encompassing the stomach, intestines (small and large), pancreas, liver, and spleen, along with their associated vascular supply. 1
Anatomical Definition
The splanchnic circulation comprises the gastric, small intestinal, colonic, pancreatic, hepatic, and splenic circulations, all arranged in parallel with one another 1
Three major arteries supply the splanchnic organs: the celiac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery, which give rise to smaller arteries that anastomose extensively 1
The splanchnic region includes both the organs themselves and their complex vascular networks, which may contain intramural (within the organ wall) circulation where redistribution of blood flow between circuits can be as important as total blood flow 1
Clinical Significance
The splanchnic area receives approximately 27-28% of cardiac output under normal conditions, making it a major recipient of systemic blood flow 2
In septic patients, the splanchnic region consumes a disproportionately higher fraction (43.8%) of total body oxygen compared to injured patients (30.2%), reflecting increased metabolic demands from synthetic processes in this region 2
The splanchnic organs are particularly susceptible to ischemic injury during shock states, as blood flow is redistributed away from these organs to skeletal muscle and peripheral circulation during exercise or physiological stress 3
Common Clinical Applications of the Term
Splanchnic vein thrombosis refers to blood clots in the portal, splenic, mesenteric, or hepatic veins, which can occur in up to 30% of patients with abdominal malignancies 3
Splanchnic hypoperfusion describes reduced blood flow to abdominal organs, which can lead to intestinal epithelial injury, hyperpermeability, and systemic inflammatory responses 3
Splanchnic circulation management involves maintaining adequate perfusion pressure and blood flow to these organs during critical illness, with mean arterial pressure targets >65 mmHg 4
Mesenteric/splanchnic artery disease affects blood vessels supplying the intestines and can present with abdominal angina (post-prandial pain), with prevalence ranging from 8-70% in patients with known atherosclerotic disease 3