Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

Posted by Kari Ulrich, Alumna Mentor @kariulrich, Dec 26, 2016

I am looking for other patients that have been diagnosed with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome. Although it is caused by compression of the celiac artery many people experience abdominal pain after eating, diarrhea, food avoidance. Usually the first doctors they see are GI doctors. It is a diagnosis that is made after everything else is ruled out. I am curious if anyone else has had surgery?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Digestive Health Support Group.

Has anyone noticed a difference with posture? Less pain leaning slightly forward versus sitting or standing completely straight.

REPLY
@jjren

Has anyone noticed a difference with posture? Less pain leaning slightly forward versus sitting or standing completely straight.

Jump to this post

Yes, definitely! I always sit with my legs pulled up to my chest.

REPLY

I had the CT scan with dye last week. The vessels were....clear. Very surprised! So I called my Gastro
Doctor. She wanted a Barium Swallow- to me the worst test in the world. It is in 1 week. She also looked at my scan to make sure from a MD standpoint it looked ok. I will follow-up with her
In June ( unless there is a cancellation)
Now , I’m glad it’s not my celiac artery.
Dr. Suess has his work set out for him.

REPLY

I was always worse sitting bent over. Lying down best for me.

REPLY
@astaingegerdm

I was always worse sitting bent over. Lying down best for me.

Jump to this post

Does laying on one side versus the other make a difference? Do you lay flat? For me I lay on my left side. I know everyone's anatomy is a little different. This is an interesting discussion.

REPLY

I was told to come back in 6 moths for Doppler imaging. I was given med for cholesterol and advised to take 1 aspirin every day. When I asked what should I expect or look for unti this is resolved, he answered, "Just be aware".......OMG, aware of what?
So I will have all my records and scans sent to Mayo to see if they can help. I have read that they will do something because there is a pretty good chance of getting a blood clot in small intestine if arteries remain blocked.
I'll keep you updated as I look for a solution.

REPLY
@astaingegerdm

I was always worse sitting bent over. Lying down best for me.

Jump to this post

I would flip flop!! Moving things around after a meal.

REPLY
@grandmajo

I was told to come back in 6 moths for Doppler imaging. I was given med for cholesterol and advised to take 1 aspirin every day. When I asked what should I expect or look for unti this is resolved, he answered, "Just be aware".......OMG, aware of what?
So I will have all my records and scans sent to Mayo to see if they can help. I have read that they will do something because there is a pretty good chance of getting a blood clot in small intestine if arteries remain blocked.
I'll keep you updated as I look for a solution.

Jump to this post

Yes, Please keep us updated. I hope you find some help, in the meantime if you have pain that worsens, or any other symptoms that develop please do not hesitate to go to the ER. I know we question our symptoms often and go back and forth if we should be seen, but rather error on the side of caution when it comes to any kind of ischemia! Thinking of you!

REPLY

I too have just been diognosed with Celiac Artery Compresion Syndrome. I am having trouble finding a surgeon close to where I live. I live in south central PA. I am fighting pain 24/7. I have been hospitalized three times in less than a month. I have found one surgeon in Philadelphia that is five hours away but having a problem with my insurance. This is so frighting and stressful.

REPLY
@astaingegerdm

I was always worse sitting bent over. Lying down best for me.

Jump to this post

I lay on my left side as well. I can't lay on my right side because I put my arm up and my right arm goes numb right away. I do however wake up and I am on my back.

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.