Celiac artery compression syndrome

This code represents Celiac Artery Compression Syndrome, also known as Dunbar syndrome or median arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS). It is a rare condition characterized by extrinsic compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament of the diaphragm, leading to symptoms of chronic abdominal pain, weight loss, and postprandial distress due to compromised blood flow to the foregut.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of celiac artery compression syndrome, often supported by imaging studies such as CT angiography, MRI angiography, or duplex ultrasound demonstrating celiac artery stenosis with post-stenotic dilation. It applies to patients presenting with the classic triad of symptoms and objective evidence of vascular compression.

• Ensure documentation specifies "compression" of the celiac artery, not just stenosis, to differentiate from atherosclerotic disease.
• This is a diagnosis code; do not confuse it with codes for surgical interventions like median arcuate ligament release.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis when it is the reason for the encounter and treatment.