Endovascular treatment of a teenager with nutcracker syndrome: a case report

Abstract

The nutcracker syndrome is caused by compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery and aorta and is associated with characteristic symptoms, such as lower abdominal pain, varicocele, and hematuria. Diagnosis is often difficult and, therefore, is often delayed. Invasive treatment is controversial, particularly in pediatric patients. However, it is indicated in cases of gross hematuria associated with anemia, renal function impairment, severe pelvic pain, or ineffective conservative treatment. We report the case of a 12-year-old boy presenting with severe hematuria for 12 hours, with no abnormal findings at a first evaluation, who progressed with severe anemia and urinary retention. Further investigation provided images suggestive of nutcracker syndrome, and endovascular stenting (smart control stent) followed by balloon dilatation was the treatment of choice. Hematuria ceased after the procedure, and the patient is still asymptomatic at 5-year follow-up.

Keywords:
renal nutcracker syndrome; renal vein; hematuria