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Median arcuate ligament (MAL) syndrome, otherwise known as celiac artery compression syndrome, is rare and is characterized by celiac artery compression by the median arcuate ligament. We report a unique case of MAL syndrome with recurrent myocardial infarction as the primary manifestation, and offer new pathophysiological insights. A man in his early 50s experienced recurrent upper abdominal pain, electrocardiographic changes, and elevated troponin concentrations, which suggested myocardial infarction. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed considerable celiac artery stenosis due to MAL syndrome. The patient was diagnosed with MAL syndrome and acute myocardial infarction. He declined revascularization owing to economic constraints, and opted to have conservative treatment with Chinese herbal extracts and medications. He succumbed to sudden cardiac death during a subsequent abdominal pain episode. The findings from this case show that MAL syndrome can present with recurrent myocardial infarction rather than typical intestinal angina symptoms. The pathophysiological link may involve intestinal and cardiac ischemia. An accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of MAL syndrome require careful evaluation and investigation.

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Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is rare syndrome and is diagnosis of exclusion. Though first robotic median arcuate ligament release (MALR) was described in 2007, there are only a few case reports (CR), case series (CS), and retrospective cohort studies (RCS) in the published literature. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of robotic-assisted MALR (r-MALR). PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched (last search December 2023) for articles reporting r-MALR. All studies including CR, CS, RCS reporting technical feasibility (operating time and rate of conversions), safety (intra-operative complications, blood loss, post-operative complications), and outcome (length of stay [LoS]) were included (PROSPERO: CRD42024502792). A total of 23 studies (8-CR, 5-CS, 10-RCS) with total 290 patients were available in the literature. Except 1-RCS, all studies reported age and mean age for CR was 40.38 ± 17.7, 36.08 ± 15.12 for CS, 39.72 ± 7.35 years for RS; except 2-RCS, all studies reported gender distribution and there were 57 males and 214 females. Operating time: 3-CR, 4-CS, 9-RCS reported operating time, and mean time was 111 ± 54, 131.69 ± 7.51, 117.34 ± 35.03 min, respectively. Conversion rate: All studies reported data on conversion and only four (1.37%) cases were converted-one to laparoscopic approach, three to open approach (1-inadvertent celiac arteriotomy, 2-reasons not mentioned). Intraoperative complications: only 5-CR, 4-CS, and 9-RCS reported data on intra-operative complications, and there were only 6 complications (1.5%): 1-inadvertent celiac arteriotomy converted to open; 3-unnamed vascular injuries (2 managed robotically, 1 converted to open); 1-bleeding managed robotically; there were no other reported injuries. Estimated blood loss ranged from 5 to 30 ml. Post-operative complications: 5-CR, 4-CS, 8-RCS described post-operative complications in 21 (7%) patients. Twenty cases were grade I, one was grade IIIa, and all managed successfully. LoS stay: 2-CR, 4-CS, 10-RCS reported LoS and overall, it was 2 days. r-MALR is reasonable, technically feasible, safe, and has acceptable outcomes. In addition, robotic approach provided superior vision, improved dexterity, precise, and easy circumferential dissection.PROSPERO registration: The protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024502792).

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PURPOSE: This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular treatment of unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms in a single-center series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The electronic medical records of patients who underwent endovascular treatment for unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms between 2011 and 2022 at our tertiary center were retrospectively reviewed. The presence of celiac artery stenosis/occlusion; aneurysm number, location, and size; endovascular technique; procedure-related complication incidence; and clinical outcomes were assessed. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (12 men and 11 women; mean [range] age, 63.8 [45-84] years) with 33 unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms were identified. Celiac artery stenosis/occlusion coexisted in 17 (74%) patients. Five (21%) patients had multiple aneurysms. The median aneurysm size was 9.3 mm (range, 4-18 mm). Seven, 6, 6, 5, 4, 3, and 2 aneurysms were located in the gastroduodenal, dorsal pancreatic, anterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, inferior pancreaticoduodenal, posterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal, posterior superior pancreaticoduodenal, and anterior inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries, respectively. Four (15%) and 22 (85%) aneurysms were treated with endosaccular packing alone and coil embolization with endosaccular packing and parent artery occlusion, respectively, with resulting exclusion from arterial circulation. The remaining 7 aneurysms coexisting with larger aneurysms in other peripancreatic arteries were observed without embolization because they were small and for preserving collateral blood flow to the celiac artery. The treated aneurysms did not rupture or recur during the follow-up period (median, 40 months). CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment is a safe and effective treatment for unruptured pancreatic arcade aneurysms. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.

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Background: Celiac axis stenosis can potentially lead to insufficient blood supply to vital organs, such as the liver, spleen, pancreas, and stomach. This condition result in the development of collateral circulation between the superior mesenteric artery and the hepatic artery. However, these collateral circulations are often disrupted during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD), which may increase the risk of postoperative complications. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent laparoscopic pancreaticoduodenectomy (LPD) from April 2015 to April 2023. Celiac trunk stenosis is classified according to the degree of stenosis: no stenosis (<30%), grade A (30%-<50%), grade B (50%-≤80%), and grade C (>80%). The incidence of postoperative complications was evaluated, and both univariate and multivariate risk analyses were conducted. Results: A total of 997 patients were included in the study, with mild celiac axis stenosis present in 23 (2.3%) patients, moderate stenosis in 18 (1.8%) patients, and severe stenosis in 10 (1.0%) patients. Independent risk factors for the development of bile leakage, as identified by both univariate and multivariate analyses, included body mass index (BMI) (HR = 1.108, 95% CI = 1.008-1.218, P = .033), intra-abdominal infection (HR = 2.607, 95% CI = 1.308-5.196, P = .006), postoperative hemorrhage (HR = 4.510, 95% CI = 2.048-9.930, P = <0.001), and celiac axis stenosis (50%-≤80%, HR = 4.235, 95% CI = 1.153-15.558, P = .030), and (>80%, HR = 4.728, 95% CI = .882-25.341, P = .047). Celiac axis stenosis, however, was not determined to be an independent risk factor for pancreatic fistula (P > 0.05). Additionally, the presence of an aberrant hepatic artery did not significantly increase the risk of postoperative complications when compared with celiac axis stenosis alone. Conclusion: Severe celiac axis stenosis is an independent risk factor for postoperative bile leakage following LPD.

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The hook sign is a radiologic finding best appreciated on a sagittal view of the celiac artery with computed tomography (CT) that indicates compression of the celiac artery. It refers to the hooked-shape of the proximal celiac artery caused by extrinsic compression by the median arcuate ligament. When seen in a patient with concurrent abdominal symptoms, it suggests median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). We saw the sign in a 15-year-old male via duplex ultrasonography and abdominal CT. He underwent laparoscopic release of the median arcuate ligament and had full resolution of his symptoms at follow-up.

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INTRODUCTION: Understanding the variations of abdominal vascular structures is important for preventing complications of abdominal surgical procedures for gastrointestinal disease such as necrotizing enterocolitis or others that may arise in patients with congenital cardiac disease. We analysed the coeliac trunk and its branches in children with congenital heart disease to determine whether there is a greater prevalence of associated vascular abnormalities. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed thoracic computed tomography (CT) angiograms performed in our hospital in paediatric patients with congenital heart disease. We documented the anatomical variations observed in abdominal sections in which the coeliac trunk and hepatic arteries were included in the field of view. We used the Uflacker classification to describe anatomical variants of the coeliac trunk, and the Michels classification and its modified version (Hiatt classification) to describe the anatomy of the hepatic artery system. RESULTS: Our study included 178 patients with congenital heart disease. We identified coeliac trunk variants in 10.7% of the patients. Gastrosplenic trunk was to the most prevalent variant, amounting to 5.6% of total cases. We found hepatic artery variations in 19.1% of the patients. According to the Michels classification, the prevalence of accessory left hepatic artery arising from the left gastric artery as 4.5%, compared to 6.7% based on the Hiatt classification. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of coeliac trunk and hepatic artery variations in patients with congenital heart disease was not greater in our study compared to other series in the literature. Clinicians must be vigilant about the variations detected in multislice CT scans to avoid complications resulting from vascular abnormalities, especially in patients who undergo abdominal surgery.

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OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the ability of 50-keV virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) to depict abdominal arteries in abdominal CT angiography (CTA) compared with 70-keV VMI with photon-counting detector CT (PCD-CT). METHODS: Fifty consecutive patients who underwent multiphase abdominal scans between March and April 2023 were included. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were quantitatively assessed for the abdominal aorta (AA), celiac artery (CeA), superior mesenteric artery (SMA), renal artery (RA), and right hepatic artery (RHA) at both 50- and 70-keV VMI. In addition, 3D images from CTA were analyzed to measure arterial lengths and evaluate the visualization of distal branches. RESULTS: Significantly higher SNR and CNR were observed at 50-keV compared to 70-keV VMI for all arteries: AA (36.54 and 48.28 vs. 25.70 and 28.46), CeA (22.39 and 48.38 vs. 19.09 and 29.15), SMA (23.34 and 49.34 vs. 19.67 and 29.71), RA (22.88 and 48.84 vs. 20.15 and 29.41), and RHA (14.38 and 44.41 vs. 13.45 and 27.18), all p < 0.05. Arterial lengths were also significantly longer at 50-keV: RHA (192.6 vs. 180.3 mm), SMA (230.9 vs. 216.5 mm), and RA (95.9 vs. 92.0 mm), all p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: In abdominal CTA with PCD-CT, 50-keV VMI demonstrated superior quantitative image quality compared to 70-keV VMI. In addition, 50-keV VMI 3D CTA allowed better visualization of abdominal artery branches, highlighting its potential clinical advantage for improved imaging and detailed assessment of abdominal arteries.

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RATIONALE: Bevacizumab (Bev) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets vascular endothelial growth factor A and is primarily used for the treatment of various solid tumors. Aortic dissection (AD) is a severe vascular disease caused by the tearing of the intimal layer of the aorta or bleeding within the aortic wall, resulting in the separation of different layers of the aortic wall. However, the pathogenesis is not fully understood. Some studies have suggested that Bev treatment is associated with the occurrence of AD. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 67-year-old Chinese male was diagnosed with rectal cancer accompanied by liver and lung metastasis. Three days after starting combined chemotherapy with Bev, the patient developed persistent abdominal pain. Abdominal CT scan revealed celiac trunk AD in the abdominal aorta. DIAGNOSES: The patient was diagnosed with rectal cancer accompanied by liver and lung metastases. Abdominal CT tomography revealed a celiac trunk AD. INTERVENTIONS: Somatostatin combined with valsartan was used to control blood pressure. The patient was subsequently referred for vascular surgery and underwent an abdominal aortic angiography. Conservative treatment was continued. OUTCOMES: Three months after the initiation of treatment, follow-up abdominal CT scans showed stability in the condition of celiac trunk AD, with no abdominal pain or hypertension. There were no signs of worsening dissection, aneurysm formation, or inadequate perfusion of end organs. LESSONS: There may be a connection between Bev and elevated blood pressure as well as celiac trunk AD.

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OBJECTIVE: The abdominal aorta is a continuation of the thoracic aorta and gives off the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, and inferior mesenteric artery. The focus of our study is to evaluate variations in the origin level in the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and aortic bifurcation in the Indian population and compare with various demographics. METHODS: The study was retrospective and the local ethics committee approval was taken before starting it. Three hundred patients who were more than 18 years of age and required contrast-enhanced CT studies were included in this. The vertebral origin level of the arteries from the abdominal aorta and aortic bifurcation level was analysed. RESULTS: The most common origin level of the coeliac trunk for both males and females was T12-L1 disc level. The most common origin level of the superior mesenteric artery was L1 upper level. The most common origin level of the inferior mesenteric artery was L3 upper level. The most common level of aortic bifurcation was L4 middle level. There was no statistical difference between the origin of any arteries in males and females in the Indian population. CONCLUSION: As per our study of the Indian population and the published literature, it is realized that there are significant variations in the origins of the coeliac trunk, superior mesenteric artery, inferior mesenteric artery, and abdominal aorta bifurcation in different populations. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study elaborates on potential anatomical variations in the Indian population, particularly the Mumbai city population. Also, our study compares it to different countries' data and their results in variations found in abdominal aorta branches.

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Consensus remains elusive in the definition and indications of multivisceral transplantation (MVT) within the transplant community. MVT encompasses transplantation of all organs reliant on the celiac artery axis and the superior mesenteric artery in different combinations. Some institutions classify MVT as involving the grafting of the stomach or ascending colon in addition to the jejunoileal complex. MVT indications span a wide spectrum of conditions, including tumors, intestinal dysmotility disorders, and trauma. This systematic review aims to consolidate existing literature on MVT cases and their indications, providing an organizational framework to comprehend the current criteria for MVT.

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BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Median arcuate ligament syndrome is caused by compression and stenosis of the celiac artery. Incision of the median arcuate ligament improves persistent abdominal symptoms. The study aimed at evaluating the outcomes in patients who underwent median arcuate ligament syndrome decompression using a self-report questionnaire. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included patients with median arcuate ligament syndrome who underwent decompression surgery between April 2021 and February 2023. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the study. Laparotomy and laparoscopic surgeries were performed in seven and three patients, respectively. The median operation time was 147 minutes. The median hospitalization period after the operation was seven days. The degrees of celiac artery stenosis before and after surgery were compared and the per cent diameter stenosis did not significantly improve; five of 10 patients (50%) had > 50% stenosis in the celiac artery after the operation. Compared to the baseline, the scores of upper gastrointestinal symptoms significantly improved during the six months' period (p < 0.001). Additionally, we evaluated the influence of post-operative per cent diameter stenosis and divided the patients into two groups (≥ 50% vs, < 50%). The scores of upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms in both groups improved significantly from baseline. However, the symptomatic improvement at six months in the post-operative per cent diameter stenosis < 50% group was significantly greater than that in the ≥ 50% group (p = 0.016). The scores of lower gastrointestinal symptoms did not change significantly during the six-month period. CONCLUSION: Decompression surgery for median arcuate ligament syndrome could improve upper gastrointestinal symptoms regardless of the post-operative per cent diameter stenosis.

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Blood flow to the active muscles and arterial blood pressure (ABP) increase during dynamic exercise, whereas blood flow to inactive organs (e.g., splanchnic organs and inactive limbs) declines. Aging leads to exaggerated ABP responses to exercise in females, but whether this is related to greater splanchnic vasoconstriction is unknown. This study sought to clarify the effect of aging in females on celiac artery blood flow during dynamic light-intensity exercise. Twelve healthy young females (YF: 20 ± 2 yr, mean ± SD) and 12 healthy older females (OF: 71 ± 4 yr) performed dynamic knee-extension and knee-flexion exercises at 30% of heart rate reserve for 4 min. The absolute changes from baseline (Δ) for mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), celiac artery mean blood flow (celMBF), and celiac vascular conductance (celVC) during exercise were calculated. ABP was measured using an automated sphygmomanometer, and celMBF was recorded by Doppler ultrasonography. The increase in MAP during exercise was greater in OF than in YF (YF: +14 ± 7 mmHg, OF: +24 ± 13 mmHg, P = 0.028). The celMBF decreased during exercise in both groups, but there was no significant difference in the response between YF and OF (YF: -93.0 ± 66.1 mL/min, OF: -89.6 ± 64.0 mL/min, P = 0.951). The celVC also decreased during exercise and remained lower than baseline during exercise. However, the response was not different between YF and OF (YF: -1.8 ± 1.0 mL/min/mmHg, OF: -1.5 ± 0.6 mL/min/mmHg, P = 0.517). These results demonstrate that aging in females has minimal influence on splanchnic artery hemodynamic responses during dynamic light-intensity exercise, suggesting that exaggerated ABP responses during exercise in OF are not due to greater splanchnic vasoconstriction.NEW & NOTEWORTHY During exercise, the splanchnic arteries vasoconstrict, contributing to blood flow redistribution and the blood pressure response. Blood pressure responses to exercise are exaggerated with aging in females; however, the physiological mechanism responsible has not been clarified. We show that celiac artery blood flow changes during light-intensity dynamic exercise do not differ with age in females. This indicates the exaggerated blood pressure to exercise with aging is likely not due to a difference in splanchnic vasoconstriction.

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BACKGROUND: Locally advanced cancers of the pancreatic body can abut or involve the celiac axis, hepatic artery, or superior mesenteric artery. Recent evidence suggests that these tumors are amenable to surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (Hackert et al., Locally advanced pancreatic cancer: neoadjuvant therapy with FOLFIRINOX results in resectability in 60 % of the patients. Ann Surg 264:457-463, 2016; Rangelova et al., Surgery improves survival after neoadjuvant therapy for borderline and locally advanced pancreatic cancer: a single-institution experience. Ann Surg 273:579-86, 2021). An arterial divestment technique can be used for these cancers to get an R0 clearance, thereby avoiding morbid arterial resections (Miao et al., Arterial divestment instead of resection for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC). Pancreatology 16:S59, 2016; Habib et al., Periadventitial dissection of the superior mesenteric artery for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: surgical planning with the "halo sign" and "string sign." Surgery 169(5):1026-1031, 2021; Diener et al., Periarterial divestment in pancreatic cancer surgery. Surgery 169(5):1026-31, 2020). Two techniques are described for arterial divestment. In the periarterial divestment technique, the plane of the dissection is between the tumor and the adventitia (Habib et al., Periadventitial dissection of the superior mesenteric artery for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: surgical planning with the "halo sign" and "string sign." Surgery 169(5):1026-1031, 2021; Diener et al., Periarterial divestment in pancreatic cancer surgery. Surgery 169(5):1026-31, 2020). In sub-adventitial dissection, the plane of dissection is between the tunica adventitia and the external elastic lamina (Gao et al., Sub-adventitial divestment technique for resecting artery-involved pancreatic cancer: a retrospective cohort study. Langenbecks Arch Surg 406:691-701, 2021). The TRIANGLE operation also is one of the surgical techniques to achieve R0 resection in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (Hackert et al., The TRIANGLE operation: radical surgery after neoadjuvant treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer: a single-arm observational study. HPB Oxford 19:1001-1007, 2017). This multimedia article aims to demonstrate peri-arterial and sub-adventitial divestment techniques as well as the TRIANGLE operation for a locally advanced cancer of the body of the pancreas. The video also highlights the technique of posterior radical antegrade modular pancreato-splenectomy (RAMPS) together with lymph node clearance. PATIENT AND METHODS: A 57-year-old women was detected to have pancreatic body adenocarcinoma with tumor contact of the artery and superior mesenteric artery. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, she was planned to undergo surgical resection. RESULTS: The surgical technique consisted of peri-arterial and sub-adventitial divestment, the TRIANGLE operation and RAMPS (Fig. 1). The procedure was performed within 240 min and involved blood loss of 250 mL. After the procedure, pancreatic leak (POPF-B), chyle leak and diarrhea developed, which were managed conservatively. The final histopathology showed residual, viable, moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (ypT2N1M0) with all resection margins free. CONCLUSION: The surgical technique consisting of peri-arterial and sub-adventitial divestment, the TRIANGLE operation and RAMPS helps in R0 resection of locally advanced pancreatic body cancer without any compromise in oncologic outcomes and offers an alternative surgical approach to morbid arterial resection.

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PURPOSE: To assess anatomical variations in the celiac trunk (Ct) in patients with Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS) using computed tomography (CT). The primary objectives were to investigate the celiac trunk angle (CtA), origin level, length (CtL), and their relationships with the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) in MALS patients. Additionally, the study intended to evaluate gender differences in these parameters and explore correlations between variables. METHODS: Retrospectively, reports of abdominal CT scans taken between January 2018, and Sepmtember 2021, in the hospital image archive were screened vey two observers independently for MALS diagnosis. Parameters such as CtA, CtL, Ct-SMA distance, SMA angle (SMAA), and median arcuate ligament thickness (MALT) were measured. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS software. RESULTS: Among the 81 patients (25 females, 56 males), significant differences were observed in MALT between genders (p = 0.001). CtA showed a negative correlation with CtL and Ct-SMA (p < 0.001), and a positive correlation was found between CtL and Ct-SMA (p = 0.002). CtL was measured as 25 mm for the all group. Origin levels of Ct and SMA were evaluated in comparison to vertebral levels. Ct-SMA distance was relatively shorter (9.19 mm) compared to the literature. SMAA findings were consistent with normal population values. CONCLUSION: This study provided valuable insights into the anatomical parameters of the Ct ans SMA in MALS patients. Despite some differences compared to normal population parameters, no evidence supported the hypothesis of a superiorly placed Ct contributing to MALS.

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BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess whether the presence of an aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease was a risk factor of poor prognosis in patients presenting a dissection of the celiac trunk (CT). METHODS: All patients presenting a CT dissection between January 1, 2014, and June 30, 2022, were included. Patients with a CT dissection due to the extension of an aortic dissection were excluded. Les antécédents familiaux de dissection, de maladie anévrysmale, de maladie athéromateuse ou du tissu conjonctif, la pratique d'une activité physique ou sportive, un effort inhabituel les jours précédant la dissection ainsi qu'un traumatisme étaient recherchés. Family history of dissection, aneurysmal disease, atheromatous or connective tissue disease, physical activity or sport, an unusual effort in the days prior to the dissection and trauma were sought after. Ischemic or aneurysmal complications in the acute phase and the evolution of the dissection were evaluated and compared between patients with an isolated dissection and those presenting an aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease. RESULTS: 45 patients were included in the study. Twenty-three (51.1%) patients presented with symptomatic CT dissection, and 22 (48.9%) with asymptomatic CT dissection. All the patients initially had medical management alone. The mean follow-up was 32 ± 25 months and all patients were asymptomatic at the time last news. 24 (53.3%) presented an isolated CT dissection, and 21 (46.7%) a CT dissection associated with aneurysmal or dissecting arterial disease. There was no significant difference between patients with an isolated CT dissection and those with an associated dissecting or aneurysmal pathology. CONCLUSIONS: CT dissection is a stable disease in the midterm, which makes it a mild arterial pathology, with or without aneurysmal or dissecting anomalies in another territory. The mechanical stress exerted on the CT by the arcuate ligament could be responsible for parietal trauma and favor the occurrence of a CT dissection.

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This patient visited our hospital for the purpose of detailed examination of prostate cancer in his seventies. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CT)revealed a low-density mass of 2 cm in the pancreatic head. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed after 2 courses of gemcitabine and S-1 therapy were performed as neoadjuvant chemotherapy. An intraoperative clamp test of the gastroduodenal artery showed that the pulsation of the common hepatic artery and the proper hepatic artery was weak but sufficient, so the gastroduodenal artery was cut and the operation was completed as planned. A blood test on the 1st day after the operation showed elevated levels of AST 537 U/L, ALT 616 U/L, and 7 hours later blood sampling showed further increases in AST 1,455 U/L, ALT 1,314 U/L. After a detailed review of the preoperative CT, celiac artery stenosis due to compression of the arcuate ligament was suspected, and urgent median arcuate ligament release was performed on the same day. Dissection of the arcuate ligament significantly improved the pulsation of the common hepatic artery and proper hepatic artery. Postoperatively, hepatic enzymes improved and ISGPS showed Grade B pancreatic juice leakage, but the patient was discharged from the hospital on the 49th postoperative day without any other complications. He took S-1 as adjuvant chemotherapy, and no signs of recurrence have been observed 9 months after the operation.

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BACKGROUND: Notable improvements in pancreatic cancer surgery have been due to utilization of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA)-first approach1 and triangle operation (clearance of triangle tissue between origin of SMA and celiac artery).2 The SMA-first approach was originally defined to assess resectability before taking the irreversible surgical steps. However, in the present era, resectability is judged by the preoperative radiology, and the benefit of the SMA-first approach is by improving the R0 resection rate and reducing blood loss. The basic principle is to identify the SMA at its origin and in the distal part, to guide the plane of uncinate dissection. This video demonstrates the combination of the posterior and right medial SMA-first approach along with triangle clearance during robotic pancreaticoduodenectomy (RPD). METHODS: The technique consisted of early dissection of SMA from the posterior aspect, by performing a Kocher maneuver using the 'posterior SMA-first approach'. The origin of the celiac artery, along with the SMA, was defined early in the surgery. During uncinate process dissection, the 'right/medial uncinate approach' was used to approach the SMA. 'Level 3 systematic mesopancreatic dissection' was performed along the SMA,3 culminating in the 'triangle operation'.2 RESULTS: The procedure was performed within 600 min, with a blood loss of 150 mL and no intraoperative or postoperative complications. The final histopathology report showed a moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma (pT2, pN2), with all resection margins free. CONCLUSION: The standardized technique of the SMA-first approach and triangle clearance during RPD is demonstrated in the video. Prospective studies should further evaluate the benefits of this procedure.

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Median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS) is a rare clinical entity arising from the extrinsic compression of the coeliac axis by the median arcuate ligament. In this report, we detail a unique presentation involving monozygotic twins, both of whom demonstrated anatomical extrinsic compression of the coeliac axis by the median arcuate ligament. Intriguingly, only one twin manifested clinical symptoms consistent with MALS, despite comparable anatomical compression of the coeliac axis observed in both. This case highlights the potential interplay of a genetic or anatomical predisposition to coeliac axis compression and secondary, possibly environmental, factors that lead to the development of clinical symptoms. In this report, we explore various determinants potentially influencing symptomatology in MALS and advocate for the publication of similar case studies to further elucidate this rare condition.

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