External compression of the superior mesenteric artery by the median arcuate ligament

Jeffrey J Stein1, Michael J Costanza, Mariel Rivero

  • 1Division of Vascular Surgery, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.

The median arcuate ligament can compress the proximal portion of the celiac artery causing symptoms of chronic mesenteric ischemia. This rare condition typically affects young women and often poses a diagnostic challenge. Compression of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in addition to the celiac artery represents an unusual variant of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). We present a case of MALS resulting predominantly from external compression of the SMA. Diagnostic and therapeutic options are discussed.

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