Seeking Insights on Abdominal Compression Syndrome Results
I’m a 26-year-old woman recently undergoing an evaluation for abdominal compression syndromes. My medical history includes hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS), postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), alongside several gastrointestinal concerns such as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a hernia, and gastritis. Due to a prior misdiagnosis indicating carotid artery stenosis observed in my ultrasound, I was referred to a vascular surgeon. Thankfully, follow-up CT angiograms confirmed that I do not have internal carotid artery stenosis. However, I still experience numerous vascular-related symptoms particularly localized in my abdomen, prompting further investigation for conditions such as superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMA) and median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). After my ultrasound earlier today, I learned from a friend, who has undergone surgery for MALS, that I came very close to an accurate diagnosis. This leaves me feeling uncertain and frustrated since the vascular specialist assessed my results as normal, essentially bringing me back to the starting line. Below are the results from my ultrasound concerning the celiac artery: - Proximal Celiac Axis: 196/57 cm/sec - Proximal Celiac Axis with Inspiration: 72/16 cm/sec - Proximal Celiac Axis with Expiration: 173/30 cm/sec Additionally, I find that I present many symptoms indicative of MALS, further deepening my confusion about the situation.
Answers (1)
3/6/2026, 8:10:37 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're navigating a complex situation with your health, which is understandably frustrating. You have multiple conditions and are experiencing symptoms suggestive of vascular compression syndromes, such as MALS, while also dealing with a challenging medical history. The interpretation of your ultrasound results can be confusing, but let's break it down and discuss next steps.
Key Points:
- Your ultrasound results suggest that the celiac artery flow is generally considered normal, yet you continue to experience symptoms associated with vascular compression syndromes.
- Your medical history of hEDS, POTS, and gastrointestinal issues may complicate your diagnosis.
Explanation:
- The celiac artery's blood flow values you provided indicate no immediate stenosis (narrowing), which is what the vascular specialist was considering. However, it's important to note that some functional vascular issues, like MALS, may not always be fully evident in imaging studies.
- Your symptoms could still align with MALS or SMA syndrome, where the arteries may be compressed during specific body positions or movements, leading to vascular symptoms despite normal ultrasound findings.
Next Steps:
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (like eating or specific positions). This can be invaluable for your healthcare providers to understand your condition better.
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Seek Specialist Input: Consider requesting a consultation with a vascular surgeon who has experience with MALS and SMA specifically. Having a specialist who understands these conditions can be critical. Even if previous assessments came back normal, additional focused evaluations may be warranted.
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Consider Other Diagnostic Tests: Discuss the potential for additional imaging, such as a CT scan or MRI, to assess for vascular dynamics under specific conditions (like postural changes) that may not be evident during standard imaging.
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Explore Multidisciplinary Support: Given your history with hEDS and POTS, working with a team that includes a gastroenterologist, a physical therapist knowledgeable in hEDS, and possibly a dietitian may provide comprehensive care for your overlapping symptoms.
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Communicate Your Concerns Clearly: When speaking to your doctors, express your frustrations and concerns clearly. It’s important to advocate for yourself and ensure your symptoms and history are fully considered during evaluations.
Remember, it may take time to navigate through these challenges, but persistent and informed communication with your healthcare team is essential. You're not alone in this, and there are pathways to understand and manage your symptoms better. If you need more assistance or specific information about any step, feel free to ask.
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