Median arcuate ligament syndrome: A diagnosis on CT abdominal angiography in cases of non-specific abdominal pain

Abstract

The median arcuate ligament syndrome (or celiac artery compression syndrome) is a rare disorder characterized by post-prandial intestinal angina due to insufficient blood supply to the gastrointestinal organs. This syndrome was first described in the year 1963 by Harjola, where compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament was noted. Otherwise, this syndrome is a source of controversy in the literature due to its high incidence in otherwise asymptomatic individuals. Various radiological imaging modalities with computed tomography (CT) angiography, the most widely used modality, help in diagnosing this syndrome that can then be surgically corrected. This case report aims at the CT angiography findings in symptomatic patients.

Keywords

• Celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS)
• CT angiography (CTA)
• hooked celiac trunk
• median arcuate ligament syndrome
• post-stenotic dilatation