Síndrome del ligamento arcuato medio

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this article is to describe the clinical, pathophysiology and diagnostic imaging aspects of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) by presenting clinical cases and literature review. Development: The median arcuate ligament syndrome corresponds to a clinical syndrome secondary to the extrinsic compression of the celiac trunk by fibrous bands of the median arcuate ligament. In recent decades, some authors have questioned its true meaning and existence given the reported cases of asymptomatic patients who presented extrinsic compression of the celiac trunk by MAL. However, the presence of intestinal angina symptoms and certain specific imaging findings leads to consider its differential diagnosis and directs toward the corresponding study. The diagnosis is made by using Doppler ultrasound, Multislice Computed Tomography (CT) Angiography and Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA), the Angiography-fluoroscopy being left out of the first-line study. In recent years use of MRA has increased due to the absence of ionizing radiation and the high efficiency in the diagnosis. Within its complications include acute mesenteric angina and pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms secondary to the extensive formation of adjacent collateral circulation. Surgical treatment has been the most effective, having a very low recurrence