Laparoscopic treatment of median arcuate ligament syndrome

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) refers to a clinical syndrome caused by compression of the median arcuate ligament due to the fibers of this ligament that connect the diaphragmatic crura on the two sides of the aortic foramina, forming the anterior edge of the aortic foramina. If MALS is suspected, invasive digital subtraction angiography and computed tomography angiography or magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) can be used to verify the location of the celiac trunk. A disrupted or increased blood flow in the proximal end of the celiac trunk can be detected with doppler ultrasound, indicating stenosis. Treatment needs to alleviate celiac trunk compression. A common procedure involves separation of the ligament fibers and other surrounding tissues around the beginning of the celiac trunk. This can be achieved by either laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery. Patient prognosis is good, with a cure rate of about 80%.

Vascular imaging of the mesenteric vasculature

Imaging of the mesenteric vasculature is crucial in diagnosing vascular disease of the gastro-intestinal tract such as acute or chronic mesenteric ischemia caused by arterial stenosis, embolism or thrombosis, mesenteric vein thrombosis and mesenteric aneurysm or dissection. The reference standard for imaging of the mesenteric vasculature is digital subtraction angiography. However, modalities as duplex ultrasonography, computed tomography angiography and magnetic resonance angiography are developing rapidly and may provide accurate imaging non-invasively. This review provides an up-to-date overview of the anatomic resolution, clinical application, emerging techniques and future perspectives of these four radiological modalities for imaging of the mesenteric vasculature.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome confirmed with the use of intravascular ultrasound

Median arcuate ligament syndrome, a rarely reported condition, is characterized by postprandial abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Its cause is unclear. We present the case of a 45-year-old woman who had intermittent chronic positional abdominal pain without weight loss. Magnetic resonance angiograms and computed tomograms revealed stenosis of the celiac artery. Ostial compression was confirmed on catheter angiographic and intravascular ultrasonographic images. Intravascular ultrasound revealed far greater stenosis than did the initial imaging methods and confirmed a diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome. In lieu of surgery, the patient underwent a celiac ganglion block procedure that substantially relieved her symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of intravascular ultrasound in the diagnosis of median arcuate ligament syndrome. We recommend using this imaging method preoperatively in other suspected cases of the syndrome, to better identify patients who might benefit from corrective surgery.

Treatment Options and Outcomes for Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome

Background. Abdominal pain attributed to compression of the celiac artery at the level of the median arcuate ligament (MAL) of the diaphragm is an uncommon disorder. Although ultrasound investigation and arteriography can be suggestive of the diagnosis, no definitive criteria exist with only cases reports in the literature. This study presents the only known reported case series in which a combination of open and laparoscopic access techniques of MAL decompression are reported. Methods. A retrospective review of prospectively collected electronic databases of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was performed for the period February 1999 until February 2009. Patients having undergone operation for celiac artery compression syndrome were identified and participated in a telephone interview. Questions were asked about the success of the operation, the recovery period, and patient satisfaction. Results. Six patients were identified, 3 were male; mean age was 37.7 years. Four underwent open MAL division and celiac ganglion neurolysis, and 2 underwent a laparoscopic approach. Mean follow-up was 48.6 months. All patients experienced symptomatic improvement and were satisfied with their outcome. No patient had symptoms recurrence. Conclusion. In this limited experience, MAL division with celiac ganglion neurolysis appears to be an effective treatment for celiac artery compression syndrome in appropriately selected patients. Both the open and laparoscopic approaches are safe with durable midterm follow-up results.