A case study of abdominal angina secondary to celiac compression syndrome.

Celiac compression syndrome occurs when the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm and/or periarterial neural tissue causes extrinsic compression of the celiac axis. In rare cases, this syndrome can cause upper abdominal angina. The classic triad of celiac compression syndrome consists of abdominal pain, an epigastric bruit, and angiographic evidence of celiac compression. Operative therapy consists of thorough exploration, transection of the median arcuate ligament, and either celiac dilatation or a bypass. This article describes a case of celiac compression syndrome which was treated successfully by transection of the median arcuate ligament and aortosplenic bypass.