Llorens Carlos,  Scholz Stefan,  Tadros Sameh,  Squires Judy

Final Pr. ID: Poster #: EDU-084

Vascular compression syndromes of the abdomen, including median arcuate ligament syndrome, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, and nutcracker syndrome, are challenging clinical entities with imaging findings that may be confusing. Imaging plays a decisive role in the diagnostic algorithm in children because clinical findings alone can be nonspecific and functional abdominal pain is common. Findings of angiography, CT, MRI, and fluoroscopy for these syndromes have been widely described and provide useful information to aid in the diagnosis of these syndromes. Sonographic findings have also been described in the literature, but are less known and possibly perplexing, with variable diagnostic criteria in children. Ultrasound is therefore likely underutilized in evaluating these abnormalities despite its ability to provide anatomic, physiologic, and most importantly, dynamic information in a cost-effective manner without the use of ionizing radiation. The purpose of this exhibit is to review the clinical features of vascular compression syndromes in the abdomen, review ultrasound imaging findings and discuss diagnostic criteria. Read More

Authors:  Llorens Carlos , Scholz Stefan , Tadros Sameh , Squires Judy

Keywords:  median arcuate ligament syndrome, superior mesenteric artery syndrome, nutcracker syndrome