Pancreaticoduodenal artery aneurysms due to median arcuate ligament syndrome: what we need to know

Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome is a rare and poorly known cause of abdominal pain. MAL narrows the celiac artery (CA), resulting in true distal aneurysms, including pancreaticoduodenal artery (PDA) aneurysms. These aneurysms often have an aggressive course, as rupture can result in hemorrhagic shock. CT scan appears to be the most effective investigation for the diagnosis of PDA aneurysms and may reveal possible celiac artery compression. In this series, we describe four cases of PDA aneurysm: two ruptured aneurysms treated by an endovascular procedure and two non-ruptured aneurysms treated by surgery. It was also decided to treat CA stenosis in three of the four patients based on the clinical presentation (ruptured or non-ruptured) and the presence of peripancreatic collateral vessels on imaging. This strategy contrasts with the approach commonly reported in the literature, in which MAL section is mandatory due to the high risk of ischemia rather than the potential risk of recurrent aneurysm. Medical teams should be aware of this disease to improve diagnosis and patient management.