[Compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament]

A relatively large series of 20 operated patients, aged 28 to 66 years, with median arcuate ligament syndrome is presented. There has been a change in the pattern of presentation of this condition in recent years. Early diagnosis can now be made with greater frequency than previously. The origin and the symptoms due to the intermittent, chronic abdominal ischaemia are discussed. The preliminary results suggest that surgical decompression is effective in inducing favourable changes in 60% of patients.