What Are Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes (AVCS)?

Abdominal Vascular Compression Syndromes (AVCS) are a group of vascular conditions involving the compression of major blood vessels and of/by arteries of the abdomen, which can cause issues with blood flow and sensations of pressure and pain.

The four recognized abdominal vascular compression syndromes are:

May-Thurner Syndrome
Nutcracker Syndrome
Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS)
Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome

Among the general population (and the medical community, in many cases), these syndromes remain under-recognized. Many patients go years or decades before receiving a proper diagnosis, going through a plethora of medical specialists, appointments, expenses, and emotional anguish. This website is intended to provide information about these conditions, associated symptoms, and other conditions that some patients with AVCS present with.