Median arcuate ligament syndrome as a cause of intestinal angina.

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) or celiac artery compression syndrome is caused by extrinsic compression by the median arcuate ligament. It is often asymptomatic, but it can cause intestinal symptoms suggestive of angina. We present a patient with repeated episodes of postprandial pain, nausea and occasional vomiting. After several studies, it was concluded that the symptomatology was attributable to this syndrome. Conservative treatment was performed due to the coexistence of underlying neoplastic disease and low life expectancy.