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Multimodality Diagnosis of Mesenteric Ischemia
Published on: July 21, 2023
Celiac artery occlusion from median arcuate ligament compression complicating a hemorrhagic duodenal ulcer repair
Anthony N Rizzo1, Marc Seligson2, William O'Brien3
1Department of Surgery, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, OH.
Insights
Median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression can cause celiac artery (CA) occlusion, complicating duodenal ulcers. Releasing MAL restored CA flow, preventing foregut ischemia during ulcer repair.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Hemorrhagic duodenal ulcers are a common surgical emergency.
- Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome involves compression of the celiac artery (CA).
- Complications of CA compression during ulcer repair are not well-documented.
Abstract:
We present a case of a hemorrhagic duodenal ulcer complicated by occlusion of the celiac artery (CA) by acute median arcuate ligament (MAL) compression. Angiography revealed retrograde flow through the gastroduodenal artery (GDA) to the hepatic artery, with occlusion at the CA origin. This unique presentation required coordinated release of the MAL to reestablish antegrade CA flow before pyloroplasty and GDA ligation. The presence of preexisting MAL compression of the CA should be considered during the repair of bleeding duodenal ulcers through embolization or ligation of the GDA, because impaired CA perfusion could result in foregut ischemia.
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