Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition that occurs when the median arcuate ligament presses on the celiac artery. This compression can slow blood flow to the stomach, liver, and other organs.
Symptoms:
- Chronic abdominal pain, especially after eating or exercising
- Pain that worsens during deep breathing
- Weight loss
Diagnosis and treatment:
Although difficult to diagnose, due to the similarities of symptoms with other stomach issues, a vascular surgeon usually makes the diagnosis and a celiac plexus block is performed by a pain management physician to confirm the diagnosis. Surgery is the ultimate treatment for MALS once the diagnosis is confirmed.