In Dunbar syndrome, a fibrous band (ligament) from the diaphragm compresses the celiac trunk, a central abdominal artery. This band is normally part of human anatomy — however, in some people it runs so low that it compresses the artery.
The result: blood flow is restricted. Affected individuals mainly notice this after eating, when the gastrointestinal tract requires increased blood supply. In many cases, Dunbar syndrome causes severe abdominal pain, often accompanied by weight loss, as patients avoid eating due to fear of pain.
Because the syndrome is very rare, it is often diagnosed late. Many patients initially receive other diagnoses, such as irritable bowel syndrome or psychosomatic disorders.
The symptoms of Dunbar syndrome often occur after eating and can vary in intensity. The most common symptoms include:
Many of these symptoms can also occur in other gastrointestinal conditions — which makes diagnosis difficult. However, a key indicator of Dunbar syndrome is the connection between symptoms and food intake.
The cause of Dunbar syndrome is the abnormally low positioning of the arcuate ligament. Why this occurs in some individuals is still not fully understood. Genetic factors or certain body postures may play a role.
Possible risk factors include:
- Slender or athletic individuals, as they have less protective fat tissue around their vessels
- Anatomical variations in the diaphragm area
- Young women are more frequently affected than men, according to studies
However, it is not a disease caused by external factors such as diet or lifestyle.
Since the symptoms of Dunbar syndrome are nonspecific, a targeted diagnostic approach is necessary to confirm the condition.
Examinations typically include:
It is important to consider the narrowing in relation to the symptoms — anatomical compression alone is not sufficient for diagnosis. Only if symptoms are present is it classified as clinically relevant Dunbar syndrome.
Treatment for Dunbar syndrome depends on the severity of symptoms. In severe cases, surgery is usually the only effective option.
The aim of treatment is to relieve the compression. This involves surgically cutting the constricting ligament. This can be done in two ways:
- Open surgery via abdominal incision
- Minimally invasive surgery (keyhole technique), often using laparoscopy
In some cases, a vascular stent may be inserted to keep the celiac trunk open.
These procedures are primarily performed by specialists in vascular surgery or visceral surgery (abdominal surgery). The prognosis after successful surgery is generally very good — many patients report a significant improvement in symptoms.
If left untreated, Dunbar syndrome can lead to a lasting reduction in quality of life. Pain and fear of eating severely restrict many patients.
With successful treatment — particularly surgery — symptoms usually improve significantly. Studies show that 60 to 90 percent of patients are symptom-free or significantly improved after the procedure.
Relapse is rare but possible — for instance, if scar tissue reforms or the celiac trunk remains unstable.
Dunbar syndrome is a rare but treatable condition. If you frequently experience abdominal pain, nausea, or weight loss after eating, you should have the cause medically evaluated — especially if other diagnoses are inconclusive.
Specialists in vascular surgery or abdominal surgery are responsible for treatment. Diagnosis is usually confirmed through imaging procedures that visualize blood flow in the abdominal artery. A surgical procedure can specifically address the root of the symptoms and help many patients regain quality of life.
Glossary
- Celiac trunk: Main abdominal artery supplying the stomach, liver, and spleen
- Compression: Constriction or pressure on an organ or vessel
- Arcuate ligament: Connective tissue band linking the diaphragm with the spine
- Vascular surgery: Medical specialty focused on the surgical treatment of blood vessels
- Compression syndromes: Conditions in which tissues or vessels are impaired by external pressure
