Overview
Celiac artery compression syndrome, also known as median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) or Dunbar syndrome, is a condition where the median arcuate ligament — a band of fibrous tissue that connects the two sides of the diaphragm — presses on the celiac artery. The celiac artery is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the stomach, liver, and spleen. When this ligament compresses the artery, it can reduce blood flow to these organs and also irritate nearby nerve fibers called the celiac plexus. The most common symptoms include upper abdominal pain (especially after eating), nausea, vomiting, and unintended weight loss. The pain is often described as a deep, burning, or cramping sensation in the upper belly. Some people also experience bloating or a feeling of fullness. Symptoms can vary widely — some people have mild discomfort while others have severe, debilitating pain that significantly affects their quality of life. This condition is considered anatomical rather than genetic, meaning it results from the way the body is structured rather than from a gene mutation. Treatment typically involves surgery to release the compressed artery. The most common procedure is called median arcuate ligament release, which can be done through open surgery or laparoscopically (using small incisions and a camera). In some cases, a stent or bypass procedure may also be needed to restore proper blood flow. Many patients experience significant improvement after surgery, though outcomes can vary.
Also known as:
Key symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, especially after eatingNauseaVomitingUnintended weight lossBloating or feeling of fullness after mealsFear of eating due to pain (food avoidance)Abdominal crampingDiarrheaExercise-related abdominal painFatigue from poor nutritionAn abdominal bruit (a whooshing sound a doctor can hear with a stethoscope)
Sporadic
Usually appears on its own, not inherited from a parent
Variable
Can begin at different ages, from infancy through adulthood
FDA & Trial Timeline
2 eventsOslo University Hospital
Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.
Treatments
No FDA-approved treatments are currently listed for Celiac artery compression syndrome.
2 clinical trialsare actively recruiting — trials can provide access to cutting-edge therapies.
View clinical trials →Treatment Centers
8 centersBaylor College of Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🏥 NORDStanford Medicine Rare Disease Center ↗
Stanford Medicine
📍 Stanford, CA
🔬 UDNNIH Clinical Center Undiagnosed Diseases Program ↗
National Institutes of Health
📍 Bethesda, MD
🔬 UDNUCLA UDN Clinical Site ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
🔬 UDNBaylor College of Medicine UDN Clinical Site ↗
Baylor College of Medicine
📍 Houston, TX
🔬 UDNHarvard/MGH UDN Clinical Site ↗
Massachusetts General Hospital
📍 Boston, MA
🏥 NORDMayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine ↗
Mayo Clinic
📍 Rochester, MN
👤 Mayo Clinic Center for Individualized Medicine
🏥 NORDUCLA Rare Disease Day Program ↗
UCLA Health
📍 Los Angeles, CA
Travel Grants
No travel grants are currently matched to Celiac artery compression syndrome.
Community
No community posts yet. Be the first to share your experience with Celiac artery compression syndrome.
Start the conversation →Latest news about Celiac artery compression syndrome
Disease timeline:
New recruiting trial: Intestinal Ischemia Biomarker in Patients With Chronic Mesenteric Ischemia
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Celiac artery compression syndrome
New recruiting trial: Coeliac Artery Release or Sham Operation
A new clinical trial is recruiting patients for Celiac artery compression syndrome
Caregiver Resources
NORD Caregiver Resources
Support, advocacy, and financial assistance for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Mental Health Support
Rare disease caregiving can be isolating. Connect with counseling and peer support.
Family & Caregiver Grants
Financial assistance programs specifically for caregivers of rare disease patients.
Social Security Disability
Learn how rare disease patients may qualify for SSDI/SSI benefits.
Questions for your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment
- Q1.How certain are you that my symptoms are caused by celiac artery compression and not another condition?,What imaging tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis?,Am I a good candidate for laparoscopic or robotic surgery, or would open surgery be better for me?,What is your experience with median arcuate ligament release surgery?,What are the chances my symptoms will improve after surgery?,Should I see a dietitian to address my weight loss and nutrition before surgery?,What should I do if my symptoms return or do not improve after surgery?
Common questions about Celiac artery compression syndrome
What is Celiac artery compression syndrome?
Celiac artery compression syndrome, also known as median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) or Dunbar syndrome, is a condition where the median arcuate ligament — a band of fibrous tissue that connects the two sides of the diaphragm — presses on the celiac artery. The celiac artery is a major blood vessel that supplies blood to the stomach, liver, and spleen. When this ligament compresses the artery, it can reduce blood flow to these organs and also irritate nearby nerve fibers called the celiac plexus. The most common symptoms include upper abdominal pain (especially after eating), nausea, vom
How is Celiac artery compression syndrome inherited?
Celiac artery compression syndrome follows a sporadic inheritance pattern. Genetic counseling can help families understand recurrence risk and testing options.
Are there clinical trials for Celiac artery compression syndrome?
Yes — 2 recruiting clinical trials are currently listed for Celiac artery compression syndrome on UniteRare. See the clinical trials section on this page for phase, sponsor, and site details sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
Which specialists treat Celiac artery compression syndrome?
17 specialists and care centers treating Celiac artery compression syndrome are listed on UniteRare, sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov principal investigators, published research, and the NPPES NPI registry.