Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome

Abstract

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a condition characterized by pain in the abdominal region attributed to compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm during expiration. MALS is also known as celiac artery compression syndrome, celiac axis syndrome, or Dunbar syndrome. Pain may result from the tight pressing on the celiac nerves in the area. The patient usually presents with symptoms such as postprandial epigastric pain, weight loss, and, occasionally, an abdominal bruit. Furthermore, some individuals may experience nausea and vomiting. It may be an etiology of a rare disorder, chronic mesenteric ischemia.