Mesenteric artery disease (also known as chronic mesenteric insufficiency) is the hardening of the arteries in the blood vessels that supply the body’s intestines, which is the same process that occurs with arterial blockages elsewhere. There are two types of mesenteric artery disease: acute and chronic. The acute form of the disease is typically caused by a clot, and can be immediately life-threatening. Chronic mesenteric artery disease is related to atherosclerosis with a more insidious onset.