Renosplenic shunting in the nutcracker phenomenon: a discussion and paradigm shift in options? A novel approach to treating nutcracker syndrome

Left renal vein transposition using autologous gonadal vein graft in patient with combined anterior nutcracker and May-Thurner syndromes

Anterior nutcracker syndrome (ANCS) and May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) are part of a rare group of vascular compression syndromes where extrinsic compression of arteries or veins results in non-specific clinical presentation posing diagnostic and management challenges. We present the case of a female patient in her early 40s with a 3 year history of left flank and pelvic pain, left leg swelling and microscopic haematuria attributed to a rare combination of ANCS and MTS. Compression of the left common iliac vein (MTS) was managed with left common iliac stenting and compression of the left renal vein (LRV; ANCS) was managed surgically with a novel modified technique of LRV transposition using an autologous gonadal vein graft with subsequent resolution of all symptoms. To our knowledge, this is the fourth case presenting the coexistence of the two syndromes in the literature and the first presenting the modified treatment approach.

[Nutcracker syndrome: a rare cause of abdominal pain in adults that shouldn't be ignored: a case report]

De nos jours, la connaissance des anomalies vasculaires est primordiale pour tous les spécialistes en pratique clinique et peut prévenir de graves complications suite à des interventions précoces. Le syndrome de Casse-Noisette ou Nutcraker syndrome résulte d´une compression de la veine rénale gauche (VRG), généralement dans la fourchette formée par l´aorte abdominale et l'artère mésentérique supérieure (AMS), conduisant à la sténose de la partie aorto-mésentérique de la veine rénale gauche et dilatation de sa partie distale. La symptomatologie reste dominée par des douleurs lombaires, abdominales, pelviennes et hématurie. Son diagnostic est basé essentiellement sur les moyens d´imagerie moderne (tomodensitométrie, échographie-Doppler, phlébographie) et son traitement est controversé. Nous rapportons le cas d´une femme âgée de 43 ans, admise dans le cadre d´un bilan radiologique devant des douleurs épigastriques avec pesanteur pelvienne suite à un syndrome de Casse-Noisette.

Nutcracker syndrome: A rare cause of left flank pain that can also manifest as unexplained pelvic pain

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is symptomatic unilateral renal venous hypertension due to compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery and aorta (anterior NCS) or between the aorta and spine (posterior NCS). The left ovarian or spermatic vein empties into the left renal vein and is an additional site of venostasis in about half the cases of NCS. The presenting symptom of NCS in about half the cases is atypical left flank pain suggesting a disorder of the lower ribs or thoracolumbar spinal junction, particularly as the pain worsens with standing and increased lumbar lordosis. NCS may be suggested by any combination of the following manifestations: hematuria, which is often only microscopic; orthostatic proteinuria; varicocele and infertility; dyspareunia and other gynecological symptoms; varicose veins in the pelvis, buttocks, or upper thighs; orthostatic hypotension and fatigue; and abdominal pain. Narrowing of the left renal vein on imaging studies is required but far from sufficient to establish the diagnosis. Several converging clinical findings and a marked pressure gradient between the left renal vein and inferior vena cava must be present also. Urological procedures and vascular surgery are being superseded by endovascular stenting with or without simultaneous treatment of the acquired gonadal vein insufficiency by embolization.

Renal venous hypertension

Renal venous hypertension usually seen in young, otherwise healthy individuals and can lead to significant overall morbidity. Aside from clinical findings and physical examination, diagnosis can be made with ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance conventional venography. Symptoms and haemodynamic significance of the compression determine the ideal treatment method. This review of the literature discusses normal and pathological developmental aspects of renocaval venous segment and related circulatory disorders, summarizes congenital and acquired changes in left renal vein and their impact on development of renal venous hypertension. Also will be discussed surgical tactics of portosystemic shunting and their potential effects on renal hemodynamics.