Nutcracker Syndrome

Each kidney typically has one vein that carries blood filtered by the kidney into the circulatory system. These are called the renal veins. Usually there’s one on the right and one on the left. However, there can be variations. In nutcracker syndrome, symptoms are most often caused when the left renal vein coming from the left kidney becomes compressed and blood can’t flow normally through it. Instead, blood flows backwards into other veins and causes them to swell.

Causes of Nutcracker Syndrome #

The specific causes of nutcracker syndrome can vary. Some people are born with certain blood vessel variations that can lead to symptoms of nutcracker syndrome. Others can develop the syndrome due to changes within the abdomen. Symptoms are more common in females in their 20s and 30s, but it can affect anyone of any age.

Some conditions that may increase the chance of developing nutcracker syndrome include:

• Pancreatic tumors

• Tumors in the tissue lining your abdominal wall

• A severe lower spine curve

• Nephroptosis, when your kidney drops into your pelvis when you stand up

• An aneurysm in your abdominal aorta

• Rapid changes in height or weight

• Low body mass index

• Enlarged lymph nodes in your abdomen

• Pregnancy

Symptoms of Nutcracker Syndrome #

• Blood in your urine

• Pelvic pain

• Pain in your side or abdomen

• Protein in your urine, which can be determined by a doctor

• Pain during intercourse

• Enlarged veins in testicles

• Lightheadedness while standing, but not while sitting

Diagnosis of Nutcracker Syndrome #

• First, your doctor will perform a physical exam.

• Next, they’ll take a medical history and ask about your symptoms to help them narrow down a possible diagnosis.

• If they suspect nutcracker syndrome, your doctor will take urine samples to look for blood, protein, and bacteria.

• Blood samples can be used to check blood cell counts and kidney function.

• This will help them narrow down your diagnosis even further.

• Next, your doctor may recommend a Doppler ultrasound of your kidney area to see if you have abnormal blood flow through your veins and arteries.

• Depending on your anatomy and symptoms, your doctor also may recommend a CT scan or MRI to look more closely at your kidney, blood vessels, and other organs to see exactly where and why the vein is compressed.

• They might also recommend a kidney biopsy to help rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.

Treatment of Nutcracker Syndrome #

Stent #

• A stent is a small mesh tube that holds the compressed vein open and allows blood to flow normally.

• This procedure has been used for nearly 20 years for the treatment of this condition.

• Your doctor can insert it by cutting a small slit in your leg and using a catheter to move the stent into the proper position inside your vein.

• However, like any procedure, there are risks.

About 7 percent of people experience movement of the stent. This can lead to complications such as:

• Blood clots

• Blood vessel injury

• Severe tears in the blood vessel wall

Stent placement requires an overnight hospital stay and full recovery can take several months. You and your doctor should discuss the risks and benefits of this procedure, as well as other treatment options.

Blood vessel surgery #

• If you have more severe symptoms, blood vessel surgery may be a better option for you.

• Your doctor might recommend a variety of surgical procedures to relieve pressure on the vein.

• Options can include moving the vein and reattaching it, so it’s no longer in an area where it would be compressed.

• Another option is bypass surgery, in which a vein taken from elsewhere in your body is attached to replace the compressed vein.

• Recovery from surgery depends on the type of surgery and your overall health. It generally takes several months.