title: Laparoscopic treatment of celiac artery compression syndrome: case series and review of current treatment modalities.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Compression of the celiac artery by the diaphragmatic crura, the median arcuate ligament, or the fibrous periaortic ganglionic tissue results in a rare constellation of symptoms known as celiac artery compression syndrome (CACS).
  
  
  METHODS
  First described in 1963 by Harjola in a patient with symptoms of mesenteric ischemia, it remains an elusive diagnosis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients commonly present with a wide variety of symptoms resulting in multiple diagnostic tests.
  
  
  METHODS
  A firm diagnosis is difficult to establish, and treatment is equally challenging. These challenges are illustrated by the following case series, and evidence supporting current treatment modalities is reviewed.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a laparoscopic approach to decompression of the celiac artery facilitated by intraoperative ultrasound.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 201 E. Huron Street, Galter 10-105, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. kvaziri7@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Khashayar
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Vaziri
authors.forename: Eric S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Hungness
authors.forename: Erik G
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Nathaniel J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Soper
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D001783:Blood Flow Velocity; D002445:Celiac Artery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy; D008875:Middle Aged; D013577:Syndrome; D018615:Ultrasonography, Doppler, Color