Nutcracker Syndrome ultrasonography imaging features

a case report

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.56102/afmo.2025.368

Keywords:

Renal Nutcracker Syndrome, Renal vein entrapment syndrome, Renal veins, Ultrasonography, Doppler ultrasonography

Abstract

The Nutcracker Syndrome (NCS), also known as left renal vein (LRV) entrapment syndrome, is caused by LRV stenosis due to the angle narrowing between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the aorta. The stenosis leads to dilatation of the LRV distal portion. Patients may be asymptomatic or experience hematuria, proteinuria, flank pain, pelvic congestion in women, and varicocele in men. Doppler ultrasonography (US) is an excellent diagnostic tool for NCS as it facilitates assessing LRV anatomy and physiology. This case report aimed to describe the imaging features of NCS in Doppler US and to discuss the diverse features of NCS in various imaging studies.

Author Biographies

Yeda da Silva, Faculdade de Medicina Pequeno Príncipe

Phd professor in Medical Radiology. Linked to the Faculdade de Medicina Pequeno Príncipe. Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Marianna Rafaelly Sforza Auerswald, Faculdade de Medicina Positivo

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina Positivo. Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Naiany Olivotto Martins, Faculdade de Medicina Positivo

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina Positivo. Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Alexia Victória Klassen, Faculdade de Medicina Positivo

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina Positivo. Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Isabelle Tomelin Rothenburg, Faculdade de Medicina Positivo

Student at the Faculdade de Medicina Positivo. Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil.

Plauto Christopher Aranha Watanabe, Universidade de São Paulo

Professor of Radiology and Imaging at the Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.    

Luciana Munhoz, Universidade de São Paulo

Linked to the Universidade de São Paulo. Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

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Published

2025-03-28

How to Cite

Silva, Y. da, Auerswald, M. R. S., Martins, N. O., Klassen, A. V., Rothenburg, I. T., Watanabe, P. C. A., & Munhoz, L. (2025). Nutcracker Syndrome ultrasonography imaging features: a case report. Annals of Olinda Medical School, 1(13), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.56102/afmo.2025.368

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Section

Case Reports