Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)

If your child has been diagnosed with MALS, you may have faced a challenging journey to find a treatment plan.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, commonly known as MALS, is a rare condition that affects children with severe abdominal pain. It can be challenging to identify because it resembles other common gastrointestinal conditions.

The pain is primarily due to the compression of the celiac artery, a major blood vessel in the abdomen that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and other parts of the digestive system.

The median arcuate ligament is a band of tissue that usually passes over the artery without causing harm. In MALS, this ligament tightens around the artery, restricting blood flow to the stomach and other abdominal organs, leading to discomfort and pain, especially after eating.

Symptoms of MALS

Children with MALS often experience severe abdominal pain that can increase after meals. It's crucial to monitor other symptoms that accompany this pain, which may include:

• Sudden and rapid weight loss.
• Pain below the ribs, particularly during physical activity.
• Persistent discomfort below the ribs, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The condition stems from the compression of the celiac artery, which is crucial for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the upper abdomen's organs.

The exact cause of MALS is still unknown.