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Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
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?
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Does anyone have experience with Dr. Skelly ?
I had an esophagus test that shows the motility is ineffective but I don’t have chest pain or pain with swallowing. Sometimes I cough on food though. It’s easier for me swallow solid than liquids.
The pain is upper mid abdomen which I think is mals but not sure. All other gi tests normal.
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1 ReactionHave you gotten testing done from a gi doctor? I’ve had many. The very last one was a monometry test. They found that the muscles in my esophagus are ineffective. Not working properly. Lots of pain and on soft diet. Have had several trials of meds to relax the muscles. None successful yet. I also have dysautonomia with the Mals. Gotta take life one hour at a time. Advocate for myself and be grateful for the good days. I would try my gi doctor. Good luck!hope you feel better real soon and get some answers.
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1 ReactionYes it helped for a day and then didn’t. My lower pains I used to get from ibs. Now after I eat I get gnawing and bad pain in my upper mid abdomen. The only positive test is mals.
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1 ReactionI have lower abdominal pain after eating. Feels like I’m going to burst. Also burning in chest! Hate it. Have you had celiac plexus block yet?
Can someone tell me what their mals pain was like? Mine is an intense gnawing in my upper mid abdomen sometimes squeezing too. After eating. My velocities are over 400 and I have the hook on Ct scan.
Hi. So sorry for you and your daughter. I had issues for over two years as well. It’s rough. I was diagnosed with cta of my stomach and a special ultrasound with breathing protocol done through vascular dept at uva hospital. Of my celiac artery as well as two other arteries. Good luck
Thank you!
@mamabear80
The first test that suggested a vascular problem was an abdominal Doppler ultrasound. It was followed by a CT angiogram that confirmed celiac artery stenosis and MALS.
Gastroenterologist made the diagnosis and referred me to GI surgeon.
I suspect that my 15 year old daughter may have MALS. She has had constant abdominal pain for 2 years that has just gotten worse. She spent a week in the hospital for severe abdominal pain and vomiting and had CT Abdomen, gastric emptying study, HIDA scan, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, and upper GI series that were all normal. They dx her with abdominal migraine, but the medicine they have her on has not made a difference. Her pain pattern also does not fit with abdominal migraine but seems to fit MALS perfectly. Her GI doctor does not seem to know how to help her. My question is how were you all diagnosed (what specific imaging did you have that showed MALS) and what type of specialist diagnosed you? Any insight is greatly appreciated.