Understanding MALS in Children
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Understanding MALS
If your child has been diagnosed with MALS, you may have faced a challenging journey to find a treatment plan.
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, commonly known as MALS, is a rare condition that affects children with severe abdominal pain. It can be challenging to identify because it resembles other common gastrointestinal conditions.
The pain is primarily due to the compression of the celiac artery, a major blood vessel in the abdomen that supplies oxygen-rich blood to the stomach, liver, spleen, and other parts of the digestive system.
The median arcuate ligament is a band of tissue that usually passes over the artery without causing harm. In MALS, this ligament tightens around the artery, restricting blood flow to the stomach and other abdominal organs, leading to discomfort and pain, especially after eating.
Symptoms of MALS
Children with MALS often experience severe abdominal pain that can increase after meals. It's crucial to monitor other symptoms that accompany this pain, which may include:
- Sudden and rapid weight loss.
- Pain below the ribs, particularly during physical activity.
- Persistent discomfort below the ribs, accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
The condition stems from the compression of the celiac artery, which is crucial for supplying oxygen-rich blood to the upper abdomen's organs.
The exact cause of MALS is still unknown.
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Important Insights for Parents
The symptoms of MALS, like severe abdominal pain, especially after eating, can lead to frequent visits to health care providers.
The pain's intermittent and varying intensity often makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause, leading to potential misdiagnoses or dismissal of symptoms as less severe conditions, such as gastritis or indigestion.
The nature of MALS means that the symptoms are persistent and confusing, as they can come and go, sometimes appearing to be related to food intake or physical activity.
This inconsistency can make it hard for doctors to recognize MALS as the underlying issue immediately.
As a result, children and their families might undergo lengthy medical consultations, including visits to general practitioners, pediatricians, gastroenterologists, and even emergency departments, before arriving at the correct diagnosis.
During this time, the ongoing pain and discomfort can significantly affect the child's quality of life, including their ability to eat properly, participate in physical activities, and attend school regularly.
Diagnosing MALS
Because diagnosing MALS can be challenging as its symptoms often resemble other abdominal conditions, a comprehensive evaluation is essential, including:
- Detailed physical examinations
- Diagnostic imaging tests like ultrasound and CT scans
- Endoscopy to view the internal digestive tract
With an accurate diagnosis, a treatment plan can be tailored to your unique needs.
MALS Treatment
MALS can be treated effectively through minimally invasive surgery, which aims to relieve the pressure on the celiac artery.
This procedure typically results in significant pain relief, often within the first 24 hours post-surgery, with continued improvement and full recovery usually occurring within two weeks.