Visceral Artery Compression Syndromes

Abstract

The significance of the finding of celiac axis compression by the median arcuate ligament and the dense perivascular neural tissue that surrounds these vessels remains controversial. There are three problems that prevent widespread acceptance of this syndrome as a clinical entity. The presence of some compression or angulation of the celiac artery radiologically is a frequent finding in patients who are completely asymptomatic. Likewise, the presence of an epigastric bruit or a thrill over the celiac axis is common in patients undergoing abdominal exploration for other disorders. Second, the stratification of clinical presentation of these patients has been vague and very variable. Finally, the pathophysiologic mechanism of symptom production remains undefined.