Which statement about celiac artery velocity during median arcuate ligament compression is true?

• A. Velocity decreases during expiration
• B. Velocity increases during deep inspiration only
• C. Velocity increases during normal respiration and may decrease with deep inspiration
• D. Velocity remains unchanged during respiration

Answer: (C)

Dynamic extrinsic compression of the celiac artery by the median arcuate ligament changes with breathing. As you exhale, the diaphragm rises and the ligament presses more firmly on the celiac trunk, narrowing the lumen and driving up flow velocity to get through the tighter segment. With deep inspiration, the diaphragm drops, the compression eases, the lumen opens a bit, and the velocity can decrease. This respiration‑dependent pattern—velocity rising with normal breathing and potentially falling with deep inspiration—best fits MAL compression. In other words, the flow is dynamic, not fixed, and the expiratory phase tends to show higher velocities.