Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain That is Difficult to Identify

Authors

Mark E. Eskander, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Matthew Thrall, Rochester Regional HealthFollow
Joel P. Thompson, Rochester Regional HealthFollow

Author Credentials

Mark E Eskander, BS

Matthew Thrall, MD

Joel P Thompson, MD

Abstract

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disease that occurs when the celiac artery is compressed by the median arcuate ligament. Patients with MALS typically present with non-specific symptoms that overlap with more common diseases. As a result, patients may undergo extensive workup and unnecessary treatments before being properly diagnosed with MALS. In this case we present a 23-year-old female with chronic postprandial abdominal pain that persisted despite undergoing a cholecystectomy. This case highlights the symptoms and imaging findings needed to diagnose MALS and thus prevent unnecessary surgical interventions.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License

Recommended Citation

Eskander ME, Thrall M, Thompson JP. Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain That is Difficult to Identify. Advances in Clinical Medical Research and Healthcare Delivery. 2023; 3(3). doi: 10.53785/2769-2779.1167.