To review the main imaging features of vascular abdominal compression syndromes in order to familiarize radiologists with these disorders; To discuss the anatomy, clinical and pathogenesis of these conditions.

Vascular abdominal compression syndromes are rare conditions that occur when certain abdominopelvic vessels are compressed by adjacent anatomical structures or are the cause of compression of hollow viscera or vessels. Such compressions may be incidentally found and be asymptomatic or can result in clinical syndromes, including Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome, Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome, Nutcracker Syndrome, May-Thurner Syndrome, Retrocaval Ureter, and Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction. Contrastcomputed tomography is the imaging of choice for their evaluation, due to its high accuracy and temporal and spatial resolution. These...

1) Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Median arcuate ligament syndrome is also known as celiac artery compression syndrome and Dunbar syndrome. It was first described by Hajola in 1963 and results from an anatomical compression of the proximal celiac trunk by the diaphragmatic crura (Fig. 1) . The median arcuate ligament is a tendinous band that connects the right and left diaphragmatic crura and crosses over the aorta, usually above the origin of the celiac artery, at the level of the L1 vertebra. In 10-24% of...

The diagnosis of vascular abdominal compression syndromes may be challenging and easily missed in routine practice, so it is critical to be familiarized with their imaging features, recognizing that they can be incidentally found and be asymptomatic. As such, knowledge of the causes of abdominal vascular compression syndromes, associated with the appropriate clinical context and its classic imaging features are essential to make a correct diagnosis and allow optimal management.

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