NUTCRACKER SYNDROME
This condition consists in the entrapment of the left renal vein by other structures, like a nut inside a nutcracker.
The left renal vein is usually compressed between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery (aortomesenteric clamp).Less commonly, compression of the left renal vein originates between the aorta and the vertebral body; This variant is called posterior nutcracker syndrome. This phenomenon results in hypertension of the left renal vein.
Since the compression of the left renal vein prevents normal blood flow, blood tends to seek an alternative route. In many cases, blood flows backwards and pools in the left gonadal vein, which is also known as the ovarian vein or testicular vein.
This causes blood to accumulate in the pelvis and legs, originating venous dilatations of the genital veins, which result in uterine varicose veins or testicular varicose veins (varicocele).
Frequent symptoms
Blood in the urine.
Recurrent urine infections.
Shooting pain in the left side. Sometimes also on the right side.
Gastrointestinal issues.
Back pain.
Pain in the left renal fossa and left flank.
