Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

@ankit22784
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
Your symptoms could very well be signs of MALS. Not everyone has the same presentation.
In my case, I had surgery 2015 after many episodes of severe abdominal pain. The first test that hinted at the diagnosis was a Doppler ultrasound. The follow up test was a CT angiogram that confirmed the diagnosis.
2022 I had several abdominal symptoms that all were due to narrowing of the celiac artery- such as nausea, loss of appetite, getting full fast, pain a while after eating as well as weight loss. Tests showed that a stent that had been placed to keep artery open was kinked- like the artery. I had a new stent placed and all symptoms disappeared.
Try to get a doctor that is familiar with how to test correctly and who also has some experience with this condition.
I started with a gastroenterologist and the surgery where the ligament was cut was performed by a general surgeon.
My follow up visits were with a vascular surgeon.
Let us know what happens!

I too have not all my symptoms are classic either. Mals pals is a great group to join on face book. Lots of people have what we have. We try to share our stories and help each other. Have you had the celiac plexus block yet? That test pretty much determines if you’re a good candidate for the surgery.

@ankit22784
Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect!
Your symptoms could very well be signs of MALS. Not everyone has the same presentation.
In my case, I had surgery 2015 after many episodes of severe abdominal pain. The first test that hinted at the diagnosis was a Doppler ultrasound. The follow up test was a CT angiogram that confirmed the diagnosis.
2022 I had several abdominal symptoms that all were due to narrowing of the celiac artery- such as nausea, loss of appetite, getting full fast, pain a while after eating as well as weight loss. Tests showed that a stent that had been placed to keep artery open was kinked- like the artery. I had a new stent placed and all symptoms disappeared.
Try to get a doctor that is familiar with how to test correctly and who also has some experience with this condition.
I started with a gastroenterologist and the surgery where the ligament was cut was performed by a general surgeon.
My follow up visits were with a vascular surgeon.
Let us know what happens!

Hello everyone. My name is Ankit and I am from India.
I was recently diagnosed by MALS in CT scan test.
My symptoms are not classic MALS symptoms but as follows
1)Feel too full after eating/drinking very minimal food/liquid intake, 2) Feel very heavy/tightening/pulling inward in stomach after having food. 3) Feel weak/sluggish/difficulty walking and brain fog after having food/liquids. 4) Takes long hours of time to digest even very small quantity of food. 5) Lot of gas/flatuence happens after long hours of eating 6) Constipation. 7) Severe weight loss

Are my symptoms in line with MALS?

My doctors are not very sure, if we should go for surgery or not. Kindly help. Can laproscopic surgery help in my case. Request to please help

My doctors her

Hello, my wife was diagnosed with MALS last year. She had surgery 4 days ago (robotic) here in Oregon for decompression of the celiac artery. She is in extreme pain in her back now after 5 days. They have her on opioids for pain, but she can lay down or seem to rest. Did anyone have similar issues?

I just joined the FB MALS Pals ❤️

I went to Dr Benjamin Abrahams, an anesthesiologist at the Cleveland Clinic..Dr Park had worked with him when he worked there last year.
Dr Abrahams had reviewed all my tests (CTA, Ultrasounds and the actual CPB)done by my doctor from Florida.
He said my vertebrae was curved therefore they wouldn't be able to place the medication where it needed go, hence it didn't work. He went directly thru the Aorta which he said is very safe and it worked. I had 2 failed CPB until Dr Abrahams did one that worked allowing me to have surgery. I have to tell you that I had no sedation or drugs other than what the doctor needed to numb the nerves. It really wasn't bad at all. It also allowed me to drive immediately without being drugged.

If you haven't been out to MALS Pals on Facebook, you're really missing out. There's a wealth of information out there from people who are experiencing and sharing their journey. You can post under anonymous if you prefer.