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Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS), also known as celiac artery compression syndrome is a rare condition characterized by chronic mesenteric ischemia, secondary to the compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament. Occasionally, in addition to the celiac artery, the superior mesenteric artery may be partially compressed by the median arcuate ligament. We report a case with complaints of chronic abdominal pain from compression of both the celiac artery and the superior mesenteric artery due to MALS, which was primarily detected by Doppler ultrasound. The diagnosis was confirmed with CT-angiography.

The compression of the proximal part of the celiac trunk by median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm during expiration is defined as median arcuate ligament syndrome. It is a rare cause of chronic mesenteric ischemia. We report two cases with this syndrome, primarily diagnosed by Doppler ultrasound. The diagnosis was confirmed with digital substraction and computed tomography angiography in both cases. The role of ultrasound in the diagnostic work up of this syndrome is discussed with regard to the recent literature.