Related Experiment Videos
[Dunbar's syndrome: clinical reality or physiopathologic hypothesis?]
L De Cecchis1, A Risaliti, G Anania
1Cattedra di Chirurgia Generale, Università degli Studi di Udine.
Annali Italiani Di Chirurgia
|July 1, 1996
Summary
Surgical release of the median arcuate ligament resolved symptomatic intestinal angina caused by celiac artery compression in two patients. This suggests median arcuate ligament syndrome is a valid diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Gastroenterology
- Anatomy
Background:
- Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is characterized by abdominal pain attributed to celiac artery compression.
- The syndrome's existence and pathophysiology remain debated due to asymptomatic stenosis prevalence and rich collateral circulation.
Observation:
- Two patients presented with symptomatic intestinal angina due to median arcuate ligament compression.
- Arteriography revealed severe celiac artery stenosis and retrograde filling from the superior mesenteric artery via collaterals.
Findings:
- Surgical release of the median arcuate ligament led to complete resolution of symptoms in both patients.
- Follow-up at 2 and 3 years showed no recurrence of abdominal pain, supporting surgical intervention efficacy.
Implications:
- These cases provide strong evidence for the clinical significance of celiac artery compression by the median arcuate ligament.
- The findings challenge skepticism regarding MALS and support surgical decompression for symptomatic patients.