[Median arcuate ligament syndrome].

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Vascular Surgery
• Diaphragmatic Anatomy

Background:

• Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition characterized by chronic abdominal pain, postprandial pain, and weight loss.
• It is often a diagnosis of exclusion, involving compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament, leading to gastrointestinal malperfusion.
• Historically, there has been reluctance towards surgical intervention for MALS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe median arcuate ligament syndrome, a poorly documented entity in Danish literature.
• To highlight the diagnostic criteria and pathophysiology of MALS.
• To review the evolving treatment strategies, particularly minimally invasive approaches.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on MALS diagnosis and management.
• Discussion of the anatomical basis of celiac trunk compression by the median arcuate ligament.
• Evaluation of outcomes associated with surgical interventions, including laparoscopic ligament release.

Main Results:

• MALS presents with chronic abdominal pain, postprandial pain, and weight loss.
• Celiac trunk stenosis and malperfusion are attributed to median arcuate ligament compression.
• Laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release has demonstrated promising outcomes in recent years.

Conclusions:

• Median arcuate ligament syndrome requires a high index of suspicion for diagnosis.
• Minimally invasive laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament is an effective treatment option.
• Further research and documentation in Danish literature are warranted.