Further Evidence Supporting the Existence of the Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome

Abstract

A 23-year-old man presented with prolonged postprandial epigastric pain and an epigastric bruit with systolic and diastolic components, the intensity of which decreased with inspiration as demonstrated by abdominal phonography. Arteriography demonstrated significant narrowing of the origin of the celiac artery. At operation, the origin of the celiac artery was found to be constricted by fibers of the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm, and this ligament was divided. Intraoperative flow measurements demonstrated an increase in blood flow through the main branches of the celiac axis, after division of the ligament. Four years following successful surgery, the patient has continued to be in good health without symptoms, and the bruit has remained absent. Further abdominal arteriography has demonstrated the normality of the celiac artery. We believe this to be a well-proven case of the "celiac artery compression syndrome."