Supradiaphragmatic origin of the celiac trunk leading to median arcuate ligament syndrome with superior mesenteric artery involvement

Abstract

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition caused by compression of the celiac artery by the MAL. Symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, and weight loss. Rarely, the MAL can compress both the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We describe the case of a young man with MALS involving the celiac artery and SMA. Laparoscopic release of the MAL was performed, and the patient had resolution of his symptoms at 6 months of follow-up. A review of the literature identified only six cases of MALS involving the SMA and celiac artery, making this a rare occurrence.

Keywords

• Dunbar syndrome
• MAL
• MALS
• Median arcuate ligament
• Median arcuate ligament syndrome
• Supradiaphragmatic celiac trunk