Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

A condition that reduces blood flow to the digestive system and causes severe abdominal pain

The celiac artery is a branch of the aorta that delivers blood to the stomach, liver and other organs. When the celiac artery becomes pinched between the median arcuate ligament, which wraps around the aorta to connect the diaphragm and the spine, and the celiac plexus nerves around the aorta, it’s known as median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS).

The reduced blood flow to the digestive system can cause:

• Abdominal pain, often after eating
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain-induced loss of appetite
• Weight loss

Tests

Diagnosing median arcuate ligament syndrome is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.

Treatments

Treatment for median arcuate ligament syndrome likely will require surgery to release the ligament to reduce the pressure on the celiac artery. The vascular surgeons in our Vascular and Endovascular Program offer the latest innovative and minimally invasive procedures to treat conditions such as median arcuate ligament syndrome.