Diseases and Conditions
Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS)
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
Lifestyle and home remedies
Coping and support
Preparing for an appointment
Causes
Doctors aren't exactly sure what causes median arcuate ligament syndrome. The causes and diagnosis of MALS has been a subject of controversy. The signs and symptoms may be due to a lack of blood flow through the celiac artery, or compression on the nerves (neurological) of the celiac ganglion causing the pain.