Nutcracker syndrome: a case-based review
Dale Maharaj, Saeed Rashaad Mohammed, K Caesar, Shiva Dindyal
Abstract
The nutcracker phenomenon, also known as left renal vein entrapment, occurs when there is extrinsic compression of the left renal vein, most often between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Nutcracker syndrome refers to the constellation of clinical symptoms that may arise from the nutcracker phenomenon, typically inclusive of haematuria, flank/pelvic pain, orthostatic proteinuria and (in male patients) varicocele. We provide a short review of the nutcracker syndrome including various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. We utilise our own experience with a patient as a case study and highlight the modern management option of endovascular stenting.
Topics & Concepts
Nutcracker syndromeMedicineSuperior mesenteric arteryFlank painLeft renal veinVaricoceleOrthostatic vital signsAbdominal painRadiologySurgeryRenal veinInternal medicineKidneyInferior vena cavaInfertilityBlood pressureGeneticsPregnancyBiologyVascular anomalies and interventionsRenal and Vascular PathologiesVascular Procedures and Complications