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!

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

When I had my robotic lap 2 yrs ago for MALS, I had severe pain that wrapped around to my back. They use a gas for surgery so they can see better, and it needs to work itself out. Walking is very good as much as she can tolerate. Gas x , peppermint hard candy also helps. Taking opioids are great for pain but will definitely cause constipation. Taking stool softeners also helps.
Remember that this is Major surgery. Even though it was robotic or Lap, there were a lot of things moved around and cut. It will take time to heal. Rest is important when she can and slowly moving. Recovery for some people could take up to a year.
Good Luck and a speedy slow recovery.

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?

See you there. ❤️

I just joined the FB MALS Pals ❤️

Oh thank you so much for this information.. This makes sense with what happened during my pnb. My entire left side from my hip to toes went numb and my autonomic system dysfunction, BP never got above 90/50 the entire time. I have back issues and see a chiropractor on a regular basis. I'll see what the vascular surgeon says on Friday and go from there.

I sure will ❤️

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.

I think so too. The Mals causes so much pain and definitely weight loss as well. You will find healing. Just need the right Dr sometimes or right test. I went for many tests through gi. Many! But I haven’t had a endoscopy with biopsies in two years. So a friend of mine who’s a nurse practitioner says I need the endoscopy. Because the biopsies can answer and diagnose many things. I pray you too get the answer and healing you deserve. Keep in touch. Let me know how it’s going. Hang in there MAlS warrior!