Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome: Report of a Case and Review of Current Opinion

The celiac artery compression syndrome (or median arcuate ligament syn drome) is characterized by postprandial abdominal pain, an epigastric bruit, and arteriographic evidence of significant extrinsic compression of the celiac artery. Although the concept of extrinsic compression of vessels is well estab lished in vascular surgery, the existence of the celiac artery compression syn drome has been a matter of controversy. A patient relieved of celiac artery compression and postprandial pain is presented. A review of the controversy and an approach to evaluating patients suspected of having this type of com pression is outlined.