Acute median arcuate ligament syndrome after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Robotic median arcuate ligament release prior to pancreatoduodenectomy

Celiac artery stenosis presents significant risks in pancreatoduodenectomy (PD), including elevated incidences of postoperative hepatic ischemia and clinically relevant pancreatic fistulae. Addressing this stenosis preoperatively is crucial to avoid complication. While stenosis predominantly arises from vasculopathy, managed with stenting, median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an atypical cause characterized by the median arcuate ligament's extrinsic compression of the celiac artery. Pre-PD surgical release of this ligament has demonstrated nearly 90% success rate in resolving ischemic complications. The celiac axis can be decompressed through open or minimally invasive techniques. Robotic-assisted celiac artery decompression is an attractive approach due to superior visualization and enhanced dexterity, which facilitate the complex dissection required at the diaphragmatic hiatus. The patient is a 49-year-old male diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, who also exhibited severe celiac axis stenosis on preoperative imaging. Median arcuate ligament release prior to PD was pivotal in preventing hepatic ischemia consequent to the ligation of the gastroduodenal artery during PD and in re-establishing normal arterial flow to the upper gastrointestinal tract, thereby circumventing otherwise preventable complications. The patient underwent an uneventful robotic PD following the median arcuate ligament release. Robotic-assisted median arcuate ligament release prior to pancreatoduodenectomy is a safe and effective technique for decompression of celiac axis stenosis. This procedure facilitates meticulous dissection while minimizing postoperative complications and helps to circumvent otherwise preventable outcomes.

A radio-anatomical study of median arcuate ligament syndrome: unveiling the morphology and morphometry of median arcuate ligament, celiac trunk, and superior mesenteric artery

PURPOSE

In the context of medical literature, a significant lacuna exists in understanding median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). While clinical aspects are well documented, literature lacks a robust exploration of the anatomical relationship between the celiac trunk and the median arcuate ligament (MAL).

METHODS

Morphometric parameters, including the vertebral level of MAL origin, MAL thickness, celiac trunk (CeT) origin level, diameter, and distances between CeT/Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) and the MAL center were observed on 250 CT angiograms. Cadavers (n = 11) were dissected to examine the same parameters and histo-morphological examination of MAL tissue was done.

RESULTS

Radiological findings established average MAL thickness of 7.79 ± 2.58 mm. The celiac trunk typically originated at T12. The average distance between the celiac trunk and the MAL center was 1.32 ± 2.04 mm. The angle of the celiac trunk to the abdominal aorta was primarily obtuse. The average celiac trunk diameter was 5.53 ± 1.33 mm. Histological examinations revealed a diverse MAL composition, indicating variable mechanical properties.

CONCLUSION

This study provides comprehensive morphometric data on the anatomical relationship between the MAL and the celiac trunk. In contrast to available literature which says the average MAL thickness of > 4 mm is an indicator of increased thickness, we observed much higher average thickness in the studied population. The findings contribute to a better understanding of normal anatomical variations which can serve as reference values for accurate radiological diagnosis of MALS. The histological examination revealed the heterogeneous nature of the MAL tissue composition, suggesting variable mechanical properties and functions in different regions.

Retrograde Arterial Flow Secondary to Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome as a Contraindication to Gastroduodenal Artery Angioembolization

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare condition in which the median arcuate ligament (MAL) exerts external compression on the celiac trunk. Most cases are asymptomatic and diagnosed incidentally on radiographic imaging; however, some patients may experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms related to foregut ischemia and/or celiac neuropathy. In the following case, we present a patient with hemorrhagic peptic ulcer disease of the duodenum, which resulted in episodes of hemodynamic instability requiring multiple blood transfusions. Upon attempted transarterial angioembolization of the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), celiac stenosis and retrograde arterial flow from the superior mesenteric artery confirmed the presence of MALS. This rendered GDA angioembolization a contraindication, as the GDA became the dominant arterial supply for the distal celiac organs. The patient then received open surgical MAL release with concurrent surgical ligation of the hemorrhaging duodenal artery, which resolved his symptoms without the need for further intervention.

Pancreaticoduodenectomy after postoperative gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer with median arcuate ligament syndrome: a case report

BACKGROUND

Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered a challenging surgery for resecting the gastroduodenal artery (GDA), right gastric artery (RGA), and lymph node tumors. In cases of pancreatic head cancer surgery, vascular anastomosis or right gastroepiploic artery (RGEA)/GDA preservation is necessary after postoperative gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer. Therefore, we report for the first time an extremely rare case of PD in a patient with pancreatic head cancer and median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) after gastric tube reconstruction following esophageal cancer surgery, in which the entire pancreatic head arcade was preserved.

CASE PRESENTATION

The patient was a 76-year-old man who had undergone esophageal cancer surgery after sternal gastric tube reconstruction 7 years ago. He was referred to our hospital because of the suspicion of intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma (IPMC) owing to an enlarged cystic lesion and a substantial component in the uncinate process of the pancreas. Preoperative three-dimensional computed (3D-CT) tomography angiography showed celiac axis stenosis and pancreatic head arcade dilation. The diagnosis was IPMC without evidence of invasion; therefore, gastric tube blood flow was maintained by preserving the GDA and RGEA. Due to MALS, the GDA blood flow was supplied through the pancreatic head arcade, necessitating its preservation. The GDA-RGEA, right gastroepiploic vein, and anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal artery were taped over the entire pancreatic head for preservation. The inferior pancreaticoduodenal artery (IPDA) was also taped on the dorsal pancreas and the posterior or anterior IPDA, which further bifurcates were taped to preserve them. Subsequently, PD was performed.

CONCLUSION

We report a case of PD after gastric tube reconstruction for esophageal cancer with MALS, in which the pancreatic head arcade vessels were successfully preserved using 3D-CT to confirm the operation of the vessels.

Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery: A Narrative Review and Proposed Management Algorithm

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is an uncommon condition characterized by the compression of the celiac trunk by the median arcuate ligament. Due to the anatomical proximity to the foregut, MALS has significant implications in hepato-pancreato-biliary (HPB) surgery. It can pose complications in pancreatoduodenectomy and orthotopic liver transplantation, where the collateral arterial supply from the superior mesenteric artery is often disrupted. The estimated prevalence of MALS in HPB surgery is approximately 10%. Overall, there is consensus for a cautious approach to MALS when embarking on complex foregut surgery, with a low threshold for intraoperative median arcuate ligament release or hepatic artery reconstruction. The role of endovascular intervention in the management of MALS prior to HPB surgery continues to evolve, but more evidence is required to establish its efficacy. Recognizing the existing literature gap concerning optimal management in this population, we describe our tertiary center experience as a clinical algorithm to facilitate decision-making. Research question: What is the significance and management of median arcuate ligament syndrome in patients undergoing hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery?

Precision anatomy for safe approach to pancreatoduodenectomy for both open and minimally invasive procedure: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive pancreatoduodenectomy (MIPD) has recently gained popularity. Several international meetings focusing on the existing literature on MIPD were held; however, the precise surgical anatomy of the pancreas for the safe use of MIPD has not yet been fully discussed. The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review of available articles and to show the importance of identifying the anatomical variation in pancreatoduodenectomy.

METHODS

In this review, we described variations in surgical anatomy related to MIPD. A systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE) was conducted, and the references were identified manually.

RESULTS

The search strategy yielded 272 articles, with 77 retained for analysis. The important anatomy to be considered during MIPD includes the aberrant right hepatic artery, first jejunal vein, first jejunal artery, and dorsal pancreatic artery. Celiac artery stenosis and a circumportal pancreas are also important to recognize.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that only certain anatomical variations are associated directly with perioperative outcomes and that identification of these particular variations is important for safe performance of MIPD.

Often Overlooked Diagnosis: Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome as a Mimicker of Crohn's Disease

Median arcuate ligament syndrome occurs when the celiac artery and/or the celiac plexus nerves is compressed by the median arcuate ligament during expiration causing a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Here, we present a case of median arcuate ligament syndrome in a persistently symptomatic 35-year-old man that presented as a mimicker of Crohn's disease. Symptomatology, computed tomography angiography, and abdominal ultrasound Doppler were consistent with celiac artery compression syndrome. After surgical decompression of the ligament and removal of the celiac ganglion, he reported a definitive relief of abdominal pain and resolution of symptoms.

Successful Interventional Radiology for Acute Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome After Pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background: Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome (MALS), also known as celiac artery (CA) compression syndrome and Dunbar syndrome, occurs because of extraluminal compression of the CA root by the MAL, which is part of the diaphragm. In MALS, a malposition of the MAL compresses the CA and causes nonspecific symptoms, including epigastric pain after eating, weight loss, nausea, and vomiting and can sometimes cause visceral aneurysms. Typically, in MALS, various chronic ischemic symptoms and visceral aneurysms due to changes in arterial blood flow are observed; however, in acute-onset MALS, acute organ failure due to ischemic changes may be problematic. Surgical treatment is the recommended treatment for MALS, but the optimal treatment of acute MALS that occurs after laparotomy remains controversial because of its rarity. Here, we present the first case of acute MALS, which occurred after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) that was successfully treated with interventional radiology (IVR) without reoperation.

Case presentation: A 75-year-old man presented with liver infarction after subtotal stomach-preserving PD using the Child method plus Braun enteroenterostomy. As a result of contrast-enhanced computed tomography for the investigation of elevated hepatic cytolysis-related enzymes on the first postoperative day, he was diagnosed with acute MALS resulting from gastrointestinal reconstruction after PD. The patient underwent IVR to restore blood flow of the CA, and an intraluminal stent was inserted. Despite the development of ischemic gastropathy, splenic infarction, and pancreatic fistula, the patient was eventually discharged on postoperative day 82 without any disability.

Conclusion: Many studies have reported open, laparoscopic, and robot-assisted MAL incisions for MALS, but few reports have detailed the treatment for postoperative MALS. Here, we report the first case of acute MALS developed after PD that was successfully treated with endovascular CA stenting. For acute MALS after PD, early endovascular treatment may be more useful than re-laparotomy.

Laparoscopic management of celiac artery compression syndrome: A case report

INTRODUCTION

Celiac artery compression syndrome is a rare disorder found mainly in young females. It many a times goes undiagnosed as the symptoms are non-specific and varied.

PRESENTATION OF THE CASE

We present a case of celiac artery compression syndrome in a young female where laparoscopic median arcuate ligament release with celiac ganglionectomy was effective in relieving the symptoms.

DISCUSSION

Commonly they may present with abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea but there is absence of significant clinical signs. High level of suspicion and the right imaging techniques like the lateral aortogram, helps us to clinch the diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic release of celiac artery compression is a safe and effective method to treat this uncommon disease.

Acute median arcuate ligament syndrome after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Background

Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) can cause severe complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Most of the reported cases of MALS have been diagnosed perioperatively and can be treated efficiently by interventional radiology or division of the median acute ligament (MAL) fibers.

Case report

A 69-year-old woman underwent PD with resection of the SMV for pancreatic head cancer. Intraoperative exploration showed normal anatomy of the celiac trunk. Intraoperative digital palpation revealed normal pulsation of the common hepatic artery after resection of the gastroduodenal artery. On postoperative day (POD) 3, her liver function tests were abnormal, and bloody fluids were found in the drain. Abdominal CT showed necrosis of the pancreatic body and ischemia in the liver secondary to MALS which was not detected in the preoperative CT. Interventional radiology was tried first but failed. Division of the MAL fibers markedly increased the blood flow in the hepatic artery. Resection of the remnant pancreas and spleen was also performed simultaneously. Abdominal CT on POD 20 showed re-occlusion of the celiac artery. She experienced rupture of the gastrojejunostomy site, severe hepatic cytolysis, and choledochojejunostomy stricture thereafter.

Conclusions

This is the third case of MALS that has developed acutely after PD. MALS can cause refractory complications even after MAL release.