MALS Ultrasound in London
Specialist Doppler ultrasound for suspected Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), assessing coeliac artery blood-flow velocities during breathing.
Tunica Diagnostics provides focused coeliac artery Doppler assessment at our private vascular ultrasound clinic in Central London.
- Coeliac artery Doppler
- Dynamic respiratory assessment
- Central London
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome
Doppler evaluation of coeliac artery velocities during inspiration and expiration.
What is Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome?
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome is a condition associated with compression of the coeliac artery by the median arcuate ligament.
The degree of compression can vary with breathing. In some patients, this may be associated with abdominal symptoms.
Coeliac artery compression can also be present in people without symptoms. Ultrasound findings therefore need to be interpreted alongside the clinical history and other investigations.
When might MALS be considered?
MALS may be considered in selected patients with persistent upper abdominal symptoms, particularly when other causes have been assessed.
Symptoms sometimes associated with MALS
- Upper abdominal pain
- Pain after eating
- Nausea or digestive discomfort
- Unintentional weight loss
- Symptoms that remain unexplained after other investigations
These symptoms are not specific to MALS and can occur with many other conditions.
What does a MALS ultrasound assess?
A focused examination evaluates the coeliac artery and its blood-flow characteristics, including changes associated with respiration.
Coeliac Artery Velocities
Doppler measurements of blood-flow velocity in the coeliac artery.
Respiratory Variation
Assessment of changes in blood-flow velocities during inspiration and expiration.
Arterial Appearance
Evaluation of visible arterial anatomy and Doppler patterns relevant to suspected compression.
What happens during a MALS ultrasound?
Preparation
The clinic will advise you of any fasting or preparation requirements before the examination.
Doppler Assessment
Ultrasound is used to assess the coeliac artery and measure blood-flow velocities.
Breathing Assessment
Measurements may be repeated during different phases of breathing to evaluate respiratory changes.
Can ultrasound diagnose MALS?
Doppler ultrasound can identify findings that may support suspected coeliac artery compression, but it cannot establish the clinical diagnosis on its own.
Elevated coeliac artery velocities and respiratory variation are not specific to symptomatic MALS. Interpretation requires correlation with symptoms, clinical assessment and, where appropriate, additional imaging or specialist review. A technically limited ultrasound may not exclude the condition.
MALS ultrasound price in London
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome Ultrasound
Focused coeliac artery Doppler with dynamic respiratory assessment.
MALS Doppler ultrasound in Central London
Tunica Diagnostics provides specialist vascular ultrasound examinations at our clinic on Charing Cross Road.
Tunica Diagnostics
Until
111 Charing Cross Road
London WC2H 0DT
Telephone: 020 8058 0725
Contact the Clinic →MALS ultrasound FAQs
What is a MALS ultrasound?
A MALS ultrasound is a focused Doppler examination of the coeliac artery, including assessment of blood-flow velocities during different phases of breathing.
Is MALS ultrasound painful?
Ultrasound is non-invasive and does not use ionising radiation. Some pressure from the probe may be uncomfortable over a tender abdomen.
Do I need to fast before the examination?
Fasting may be required for abdominal vascular Doppler examinations. The clinic will confirm your preparation instructions before the appointment.
Can ultrasound confirm MALS?
Ultrasound can identify findings consistent with coeliac artery compression, but symptomatic MALS is a clinical diagnosis that requires consideration of symptoms and other causes. Further imaging or specialist review may be required.
How much does a MALS ultrasound cost?
The MALS ultrasound assessment at Tunica Diagnostics is £400.
Where is the clinic?
Tunica Diagnostics is located at Until, 111 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT.
Do you offer other specialist vascular assessments?
Yes. Our specialist vascular ultrasound services include renal artery Doppler, PAES, May–Thurner syndrome, Nutcracker syndrome, thoracic outlet vascular assessment and other focused examinations.
Enquire about a MALS ultrasound in London
Contact Tunica Diagnostics to discuss your examination and request an appointment at our Central London clinic.