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Background: The pathophysiology of median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is poorly understood. The diagnostic process remains inadequately standardized, with an absence of precise criteria to guide therapeutic management. Methods: We studied consecutive subjects referred to the Department of Angiology at the University Hospital of Zurich over the past 17 years due to suspected MALS. We focused on (1) the imaging criteria that led to diagnosis, notably the results of color duplex ultrasound and the consistency with different imaging tests; (2) the clinical consequences focusing on symptom resolution. Results: We included 33 subjects; in 8 subjects (24.2%), the diagnosis of MALS was retained. The median expiration peak systolic velocity (PSV) on ultrasound was 3.05 (Q1; 2.1–Q3; 3.3). To confirm the sonographic results, either a CT or MRI was performed on all patients, with consistent findings confirming a significant stenosis. Seven patients underwent surgery, all involving arcuate ligament release. Four procedures were laparoscopic, one was via laparotomy, and two were robot-assisted. Additionally, two patients required angioplasty with stenting as a secondary intervention. Only two (28.6%) of the seven operated patients experienced a relief of symptoms. None experienced a relief of symptoms following secondary angioplasty, despite stent patency. The prevalence of psychiatric disorders was comparable between patients with retained and rejected diagnoses, 38% and 36%, respectively. Conclusions: Our study confirmed sonography and CT/MRI consistency. However, most patients with MALS did not benefit from invasive treatment. The majority (83%) of patients without MALS were diagnosed with alternative conditions, mainly functional disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Cirugia is the property of Sociedad de Cirujanos de Chile and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) involves coeliac artery compression, causing a range of symptoms from chronic pain to life-threatening complications. This case features a 52-year-old patient with recurrent retroperitoneal bleeding from MALS-related inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms (PDAAs). Emergency interventions, including surgical bleeding control, angioplasty, percutaneous drainage, and median arcuate ligament release, were conducted. The case highlights challenges in diagnosing and managing MALS-related PDAA, emphasizing the importance of early identification and tailored interventions based on clinical symptoms and imaging. Surgical intervention to release the ligament is the primary treatment, with considerations for prophylactic intervention in PDAA cases. Lack of established PDAA management protocols underscores the need for prompt intervention to prevent complications. In conclusion, this report stresses the association between MALS and PDAA, advocating for early identification and tailored management to mitigate complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare disease caused by compression of the celiac artery (ORPHA: 293208). Surgical treatment of MALS aims to restore normal celiac blood flow by laparoscopic celiac artery decompression. However, surgical success rates vary widely between patients, therefore adequate selection of patients is essential to improve surgical outcome. Symptoms of MALS might also overlap with other chronic multi-system disorders such as mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). So far, no clinical or radiological parameter was found to be predictive of the postoperative outcome. We, therefore, aim to study preclinical parameters in one of the largest MALS cohorts with the focus to identify patients that would benefit from surgical MAL release. Results: By analyzing 20 MALS patients that underwent surgical celiac artery decompression, we found 60% of patients (12/20) had a postoperative relief of their symptoms and a simultaneous decrease of analgetic use. No demographic, radiologic or operative parameter was able to predict postoperative symptom relief. However, mast cell activation syndrome correlated significantly (p = 0.04) with persistent symptoms after the operation. Conclusions: Overall, laparoscopic MAL release can provide immediate symptomatic relief. Despite the missing predictive value of demographic and imaging data, our data show a correlation between persistent symptoms and a co-existing mast cell activation syndrome. This suggests that MCAS symptoms might be interpreted as MALS symptoms in the presence of celiac artery stenosis and therefore surgical treatment should be evaluated carefully. Overall, the selection of patients who are most likely to respond to surgical MAL release may best be accomplished by an interdisciplinary team of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dunbar syndrome (DS) and May–Thurner syndrome (MTS) are part of a group of rare vascular disorders known as "vascular compression syndromes." Dunbar's syndrome is caused by the median arcuate ligament of diaphragm, which, due to an abnormal course, causes celiac artery compression. MTS is caused by the left common iliac vein compression pushed against the spine by the right common iliac artery causing progressive flow congestion and leading to thrombosis. Ultrasound is the first-level examination for the diagnosis of these rare pathologies and allows to recognize vascular compressions and to obtain an estimate of stenosis degree. We describe a very rare case of DS and MTS combination in a young man with postprandial pain and left lower limb thrombosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms are rare visceral artery aneurysms that may be associated with stenosis of the coeliac trunk. We present a case of a 48-year-old woman with a symptomatic aneurysm of the inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery caused by occlusion of the coeliac trunk due to median arcuate ligament syndrome. The patient was treated with an aorto-hepatic bypass and excision of the aneurysm. We discuss the case and the complexities and controversies in the treatment of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular compression syndromes represent a group of rare and poorly understood diseases. Dunbar syndrome (DS) is caused by the median arcuate ligament of diaphragm originating lower than normal and causing compression of celiac artery. The Nutcracker is caused by the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) originating from aorta at an acute angle causing a restriction of aortomesenteric space that is traversed by the left renal vein and duodenum; if the compression involves only the left renal vein and becomes symptomatic it is called Nutcracker syndrome; if the symptomatic compression involves only the duodenum it is called Wilkie's syndrome or SMA syndrome. The knowledge of these rare pathologies is essential to reduce the false negatives which still remain very high; it is, therefore, necessary to promote greater knowledge as the lack of diagnosis can be very dangerous for the patient's health. We describe a rare case of a combination of DS, Nutcracker, and SMA or Wilkie's syndrome in a young patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celiac axis compression syndrome is an uncommon entity of abdominal vascular compression syndrome which results from the compression of the proximal celiac artery by the hypertrophied median arcuate ligament. The patients present clinically with postprandial abdominal pain predominantly in the epigastric region and weight loss. The use of thin-section Multidetector Computed Tomography (MDCT) and 3-Dimensional (3D) image reconstruction has greatly improved the ability to obtain detailed images and helped to assess the abdominal vascular system non invasively. Five cases of celiac axis compression syndrome with its characteristic MDCT imaging features like hooked appearance, thickened median arcuate ligament more than 4 mm, poststenotic dilatation and posterior and inferior displacement of celiac artery with indentation on aorta have been described in the present case series and the imaging findings described by other authors in their reported studies have also been compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular compression syndromes include a group of rare vascular changes due to extrinsic compression of veins or arteries by surrounding structures. These pathologies are often underestimated due to their rarity, clinicians' poor level of knowledge, and the non-specificity of their symptoms. The best known are Eagle syndrome, thoracic outlet syndrome, nutcracker syndrome, May-Thurner syndrome, Dunbar syndrome, and popliteal entrapment syndrome. This work summarizes the main ultrasonographic characteristics, symptoms, and treatments of choice for these syndromes. Knowledge of these conditions' characteristic signs is essential for the differential diagnosis. Failure to diagnose these rare diseases can expose patients to serious complications and risks to their health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dunbar syndrome (DS) (or median arcuate ligament [MAL] syndrome) is a rare entity of the vascular compression syndrome, where there is focal proximal coeliac axis compression by MAL. It results in an insufficient supply of blood to the respective organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Multidetector computed tomography is a very convenient, noninvasive modality in diagnosing this condition and helpful in distinguishing it from other conditions, such as atherosclerotic disease. DS can further be treated disorder surgically by relieving the compression and sometimes may need vascular reconstruction. We present five cases of the DS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Endoscopic measures have continued to be the primary procedures in the management of ulcer bleeding. Nevertheless, in cases of failed endoscopic hemostasis and re-bleedings, endovascular techniques have gradually gained increased acceptance as an alternative to surgery, allowing to avoid surgical intervention in some cases. Case report: A case of a 42-year-old patient presenting to the authors’ institution with massive bleeding from the duodenal ulcer, sprang from a pathologically enlarged gastroduodenal artery is reported. This vascular anomaly was a consequence of occlusion of the coeliac trunk (Dunbar syndrome), which was shown on an angio-CT scan. In spite of several endoscopic and endovascular measures, as well as three operations, the bleeding persistently recurred (a total of 6 episodes) and the patient eventually died. The article presents details of operative and endovascular treatments. Contemporary trends in management in cases of failed endoscopic interventions and re-bleedings form peptic ulcers are shown in the discussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare cause of chronic epigastric pain. The presentation might be unclear and non-specific. Diagnosing the syndrome requires interdisciplinary methods and specialists. Treatments consist of celiac axis release performed laparoscopically or robotically, and intraluminal stenting. Aim: The aim of the study was to report the medium-term postoperative follow-up results for four patients with MALS. Materials and methods: We performed 5 laparoscopic celiac axis releases in patients with MALS in our department in 2018. The study included 4 patients who were admitted 16–23 months after surgery for computed tomography angiography. Results: Patients constituted 4 women aged 28–63 with a mean body mass index of 22.4 kg/m2. The diagnosis of MALS was confirmed by computed tomography angiography, which showed severe (>70%) narrowing of the celiac axis. Patients underwent laparoscopic celiac axis release, and were all discharged on the first postoperative day with no postoperative complications. The patients’ quality of life improved and their symptoms subsided completely. Follow-up computed tomography angiography confirmed full decompression of the celiac axis in all 4 patients, with no stenosis caused by scarification of the celiac axis. Conclusion: Laparoscopy is a valuable and safe method to treat patients with MALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vascular compression syndromes are rare alterations that have in common the compression of an arterial and/or venous vessel by contiguous structures and can be congenital or acquired. The best known are the Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome, May–Thurner Syndrome, and Dunbar Syndrome. The incidence of these pathologies is certainly underestimated due to the non-specific clinical signs and their frequent asymptomaticity. Being a first-level method, Ultrasound plays a very important role in identifying these alterations, almost always allowing a complete diagnostic classification. If in expert hands, this method can significantly contribute to the reduction of false negatives, especially in the asymptomatic population, where the finding of the aforementioned pathologies often happens randomly following routine checks. In this review, we briefly discuss the best known vascular changes, the corresponding ultrasound anatomy, and typical ultrasound patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic abdominal pain has several aetiologies, and many a times, the aetiology is one of the exclusions. Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) also called coeliac artery compression syndrome is a form of chronic mesenteric ischaemia, although rare is an important cause. A 20-year-old male presented with recurrent episodes of pain abdomen, with a history of multiple admissions for the same, before the surgery. His physical examination and laboratories were normal, but the computed tomography (CT) done initially gave a doubtful diagnosis of MALS. A CT angiogram was done, which showed a definite kinking of the coeliac axis. After all the other causes of abdominal pain were ruled out, the patient was taken up for surgery with a provisional diagnosis of MALS. Intraoperatively, there was fibrosis around the coeliac axis with kinking. The fibrosis was cleared, and pulsations of the artery were confirmed. Postoperatively, the patient had an uneventful recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition due to compression of the celiac artery (CA) by an anatomically abnormal median arcuate ligament. With ultrasonography (US) as first-line diagnostic modality in patients with unclear abdominal pain, there is limited data on its diagnostic performance in MALS. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of CA peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the workup of patients with suspected MALS. METHODS: Patients with diagnosis of MALS between 2009 and 2019 were referred by Department of Visceral Surgery after clinical and gastroenterological workup. Diagnosis was confirmed by surgery or further cross-sectional imaging. B-mode US findings and PSV in the CA during various respiratory states were compared between patients with a final MALS diagnosis and patients not meeting the diagnostic criteria. RESULTS: Patients with proven MALS (n = 10) had higher median CA PSV during normal inspiratory breath-hold (239 [IQR, 159–327] vs. 138 [IQR, 116–152] cm/s; p < #x003C;< #x200A;0.001), and expiratory breath-hold (287 [IQR, 191–412] vs. 133 [IQR, 115–194] cm/s; p < #x003C;< #x200A;0.001) compared to patients without MALS (n = 26). CA PSV in both inspiratory breath-hold (AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.77–1.00) and expiratory breath-hold (AUC 0.89, 95% CI 0.78–1.00) was of diagnostic value for confirming MALS. The best diagnostic performance (100% sensitivity, 80% specificity) was found for the combination of CA PSVexpiration + 2.4 · PSVinspiration > 550 cm/s. CONCLUSIONS: Since results on optimal cutoff values are inconsistent, a combination of CA PSVs during breathing maneuvers may help to diagnose or rule out MALS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of Dunbar syndrome, May–Thurner syndrome and Nutcracker syndrome diagnosed in one patient with clinical presentation and imaging findings on Doppler ultrasonography. Dunbar syndrome or truncus coeliacus compression syndrome is an under-diagnosed vascular compression syndrome with a lot of controversy around it because of insufficient differentiation from celiac artery stenosis. May–Thurner syndrome or iliac vein compression syndrome is an anatomically variable condition of venous outflow obstruction caused by extrinsic compression by the right common iliac artery as it crosses the iliac vein anteriorly. In Nutcracker syndrome due to compression the outflow from the left renal vein into the inferior vena cava is obstructed. The combination of all these syndromes in one patient was not described before. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patients with recurrent unclear causes of postprandial abdominal pain should have median arcuate ligament syndrome as a differential diagnosis which is thought to be caused by celiac artery compression. Diagnosis is by imaging such as CT angiography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite previous reports of robotic-assisted laparoscopic release for median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), the safety and efficacy profile of this approach has been difficult to establish due to the rarity of this diagnostic entity. We aim to present our experience from a tertiary minimally invasive surgery referral center.Methods: A case series was performed whereby all patients who underwent robotic-assisted MAL release from July 2010 to July 2017 at our institution were included. Diagnosis of MALS was made based on consideration of symptom presentation, celiac artery duplex ultrasound, and corresponding findings on Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA). Outcomes up until the most recent clinic follow-up were reviewed.Results: A total of 13 patients underwent robotic-assisted MAL release. Patients' age ranged from 16 to 71 years (mean 38 years) and consisted primarily of females (76.9%). Most common presenting symptoms included postprandial pain (76.9%), weight loss (76.9%), nausea and vomiting (76.9%). Mean symptom duration was 3 years (range 1-10 years). No intraoperative complications. None required conversion to open surgery. One case required a conversion back to laparoscopy due to anatomical complexity. The mean operative time for successfully completed robotic cases was 94.6 min (range 52-120 min), and for all cases including converted case was 103.5 min (52-210 min). Mean follow-up duration was 19.7 months (range 1-77 months). During subsequent follow-up, a 30-day readmission rate of 23.1% was observed. All but one of the patients experienced prompt symptom improvement. Four patients had symptom recurrence during follow-up.Conclusions: Our experience demonstrates that the robotic-assisted approach to MAL release may be safe and efficacious in selected patients. Prospective comparative studies are required to further evaluate its outcomes against conventional laparoscopic approach, the current gold standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare condition with abdominal symptoms. Accepted treatment options are open release of median arcuate ligament, laparoscopic release of edian arcuate ligament, robot-assisted release of median arcuate ligament and open vascular treatment. Here we aimed to evaluate the central priority of open vascular therapy in the treatment of median arcuate ligament syndrome.Methods: We conducted a monocentric retrospective study between January 1996 and June 2016. Thirty-one patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome underwent open vascular surgery, including division of median arcuate ligament in 17 cases, and vascular reconstruction of the celiac artery in 14 cases.Results: In a 20-year period, 31 patients (n = 26 women, n = 5 men) were treated with division of median arcuate ligament (n = 17) or vascular reconstruction in combination with division of median arcuate ligament (n = 14). The mean age of patients was 44.8 ± 15.13 years. The complication rate was 16.1% (n = 5). Revisions were performed in 4 cases. The 30-day mortality rate was 0%. The mean in-hospital stay was 10.7 days. Follow-up data were obtained for 30 patients. The mean follow-up period was 52.2 months (range 2-149 months). Patients were grouped into a decompression group (n = 17) and revascularisation group (n = 13). The estimated Freedom From Symptoms rates were 93.3, 77.8, and 69.1% for the decompression group and 100, 83.3, and 83.3% for the revascularisation group after 12, 24 and 60 months respectively. We found no significant difference in the Freedom From Re-Intervention CA rates of the decompression (100% at 12, 24 and 60 months post-surgery) and revascularisation (100% at 12 months, and 91.7% at 24 and 60 months post-surgery) groups during follow-up (p = 0.26).Conclusions: Open vascular treatment of median arcuate ligament syndrome is a safe, low mortality-risk procedure, with low morbidity rate. Treatment choice depends on the clinical and morphological situation of each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe the case of a 32-year-old male with previous history of subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus (SCLE) who presented with arthritis followed by a unilateral lower-limb sensorimotor impairment, without biochemical or immunological marker abnormalities. Our patient currently satisfies only three of the systemic lupus international collaborating clinics criteria. Management of such patients is challenging due to lack of examples in the literature, with this case being the first described where a seronegative patient with SCLE demonstrated neurological involvement. A brief review of the available literature is included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dunbar syndrome also called as median arcuate ligament syndrome is a rare cause of angina abdominis. Diagnosis can be made with CT angiography or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Surgery is the gold standard treatment. This is an instance of Dunbar syndrome who was assessed for abdominal torment and was alluded from gastroenterology department for vascular and surgical intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Celiac trunk (CT) compression syndrome caused by the median arcuate ligament (MAL) is a rarely diagnosed disease because of its nonspecific symptoms, which cause a delay in the correct diagnosis. Intestinal ischemia occurs, which causes symptoms of abdominal angina. One method of treatment for this disease is surgical release of the CT - the intersection of the MAL. Laparoscopy is the first step of the hybrid technique combined with percutaneous angioplasty and stenting of the CT. Aim: To demonstrate the usefulness and advantages of the laparoscopic approach in the treatment of Dunbar syndrome. Material and methods: Between 2013 and 2016 in the General and Minimally Invasive Surgery Department of the Medical Sciences Faculty of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, 6 laparoscopic procedures were performed because of median arcuate ligament syndrome. During the laparoscopy the MAL was cut with a harmonic scalpel. One month after laparoscopy 5 patients had Doppler percutaneous angioplasty of the CT with stent implantation in the Vascular Surgery Department in Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin. Results: In one case, there was a conversion of laparoscopic surgery to open due to unmanageable intraoperative bleeding. In one case, postoperative ultrasound examination of the abdominal cavity demonstrated the presence of a large hematoma in the retroperitoneal space. All patients reported relief of symptoms in the first days after the operation. Conclusions: The hybrid method, combining laparoscopy and angioplasty, seems to be a long-term solution, which increases the comfort of the patient, brings the opportunity for normal functioning and minimizes the risk of restenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Gefaesschirurgie is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) or celiac artery compression syndrome is a rare vascular disorder caused by an extrinsic compression of the celiac artery from the median arcuate ligament, prominent fibrous bands, and ganglionic periaortic tissue. Clinical symptoms are postprandial abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, unintentional weight loss, and sometimes, abdominal pain during body exercise caused by an intermittent visceral ischemia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the operative management of patients with MALS in our institution, especially in consideration of various vascular reconstructive techniques. Between June 2000 and January 2009, a total of 341 patients were treated in our department for vascular pathologies of the visceral arteries (225 chronic visceral ischaemia, 84 acute visceral ischaemia, and 14 visceral artery aneurysms). In a retrospective study of 18 patients with MALS, the records, clinical symptoms, diagnostic evaluation, and surgical procedures were compiled. This was completed by a reassessment for a follow-up. A MALS was diagnosed in 15 female (83.3%) and three male (16.7%) patients. The mean patient age was 46.2 years (range 20–68 years). The diagnosis of MALS was based on a radiological analysis in all patients by a digitally subtracted angiogram, but duplex ultrasound was used lately more frequently to study the influence of respiration on the stenotic degree of the celiac trunk. All 18 patients were treated with open surgery in an elective situation. Due to the local and specific pathology of the celiac trunk with a fixed stricture or stenosis, out of 18 cases beside decompression, 11 (primary, seven; secondary, four patients) further procedures were performed on the celiac artery (aorto-celiac vein interposition n = 6, aorto-hepatic vein interposition n = 1, resection of the celiac artery and end-to-end anastomosis n = 2, patchplasty of the celiac artery with vein n = 1, and transaortic removal of a stent of the celiac artery n = 1) Follow-up was obtained in 15 patients (83.33%) with a mean duration after surgery of about three and a half years (40.68 months, range from 2 to 102 months). Eleven of the 15 patients (73.33%) were completely free of abdominal symptoms, and nine of them had gained between 3 and 10 kg in weight after surgery. The weight of two patients remained stable. Of the 11 patients with a successful outcome in the follow-up, six of them had undergone decompression solely. In the other five patients, vascular co-procedures on the celiac trunk had been performed. The MALS is a rare vascular disorder caused by an extrinsic compression of the celiac artery and induces upper abdominal, mostly, postprandial pain. A definite diagnosis of MALS can be achieved by lateral aortography of the visceral aorta and its branches during inspiration and expiration. Open surgical therapy is a safe and reliable procedure with no mortality and low morbidity. As to the local and specific pathology of the celiac trunk after decompression with fixed stricture or stenosis, further vascular procedures are necessary. The long-time follow-up seemed adequate. The laparoscopic approach reduces the procedure of decompression only, something which seemed inadequate for most cases. Endovascular treatment with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and insertion of a stent does not solve the underlying problem of extrinsic compression of the celiac trunk and often requires open procedures during the long-term course. Due to the low incidence of MALS, no guidelines will do justice to all the patients sufficiently, and the choice of treatment must depend on the specific clinical situation for each patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Median arcuate ligament compression (MALC) potentially causes arterial complications in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Here we aimed to investigate the incidence of MALC and its impact on clinical outcome after OLT. In addition, we performed an international survey among 52 European liver transplant centers to explore local protocols on the management of these patients. Data of 286 consecutive OLT recipients from a prospective database were analyzed retrospectively (05/2010-07/2017). Preoperative computed-tomography images were evaluated. Celiac axis stenosis due to MALC was found in 34 patients (12%). Intrinsic stenosis was present in 16 (6%) patients. Twenty-six patients (77%) with MALC underwent standard arterial revascularization with median arcuate ligament (MAL)-division. Patients treated for MALC had comparable baseline data and no difference was found in early- and long-term outcome compared to the rest of our cohort. Our survey found heterogeneous strategies regarding diagnosis and treatment of MALC. Only 29% of the centers reported the division of MAL in these patients as routine procedure. Even though there is no consensus on diagnosis and management of MALC among European centers, a surgical division of MAL is feasible and safe and should be considered in OLT recipients with MALC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]