Living with Celiac trunk compression syndrome
A rare condition that causes long-lasting belly pain when an artery to the upper belly organs is squeezed.
Understanding Celiac trunk compression syndrome
The celiac artery brings blood to the upper belly organs. It is squeezed by the median arcuate ligament, a fibrous band of the diaphragm. It can show up at a variety of ages. GARD says the cause is not fully understood, and blood vessel and nerve factors may both play a part.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these as the usual symptoms:
- Long-lasting, repeated belly pain
- Weight loss
- An abnormal whooshing sound over the belly (abdominal bruit)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
National MALS Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: National MALS Foundation
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with National MALS Foundation
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says the cause is not fully understood. It may involve a combination of blood supply (vascular) and nerve (neurogenic) factors.
Also known as: celiac artery compression syndrome; dunbar syndrome; mals; median arcuate ligament syndrome
Patient organizations
- National MALS FoundationCeliac trunk compression syndrome · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Celiac trunk compression syndrome.
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