Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare vascular disorder caused by the compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament, leading to symptoms such as postprandial abdominal pain, weight loss, and nausea. While MALS typically affects the celiac artery, it can also result in downstream vascular complications, including dilatation of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to compensate for impaired blood flow, which can compress the left renal vein and cause nutcracker syndrome (NCS). This cascade may lead to secondary varicocele, characterized by dilatation of the pampiniform venous plexus. We present a case of a 21-year-old male with abdominal pain, nausea, weight loss, and heaviness in his scrotum who was found to have a large left-sided varicocele on physical examination. Diagnostic imaging revealed MALS with celiac artery compression, SMA dilatation, and compression of the left renal vein, indicative of NCS. These findings suggest a unique vascular interplay, where SMA dilatation caused by collateral flow compensating for celiac artery obstruction contributed to secondary varicocele formation. The patient was informed of his diagnosis but ultimately declined surgical treatment. This case underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic imaging and clinical evaluation in patients with rare overlapping vascular compression syndromes. It highlights the potential for a hemodynamic relationship between MALS, SMA dilatation, and NCS, contributing to the development of a varicocele. Further research is warranted to explore shared mechanisms and refine management strategies for such rare vascular presentations.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.83177
Authors: Sarth Shah, Niket Patel, Laurence Spitzer
Institutions: Drexel University, University of Pennsylvania
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4409944767