The Sonographer’s Role in Assessing Celiac Artery Stenosis, to Confirm the Diagnosis: A Case Study

Abstract

Celiac artery stenosis may occur in patients with a known history of atherosclerosis and should also be considered in those who present with abdominal pain. Sonography is specific and necessary when the information is correlated with a computed tomogram (CT), as it helps to determine patency and velocity within mesenteric vessels. When stenosis is severe, chronic mesenteric ischemia results, as vascular perfusion is diminished to the intestinal organs. In the case presented with severe atherosclerosis, both CT and sonography were helpful in confirming the diagnosis. Sonography can help in evaluating celiac artery stenosis, caused by atherosclerosis versus median arcuate ligament syndrome, by considering the normal velocities of the vessel.