Nutcracker Phenomenon: A Rare Incidental Finding

Cureus. 2022 Dec 22;14(12):e32822. doi: 10.7759/cureus.32822. eCollection 2022 Dec.

Abstract

The nutcracker phenomenon, or left renal vein (LRV) entrapment syndrome, occurs when there is compression of the LRV, mostly between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. Patients with nutcracker syndrome (NCS) may present with various symptoms, with the most common being hematuria, left flank pain, varicocele in males, proteinuria, and anemia. Our 22-year-old male patient presented with abdominal pain without hematuria. Insidiously, we made the diagnosis of NCS with this unusual presentation. Some studies have proposed a relationship between rapid weight loss in a short period of time and the appearance of NCS. We recommend that healthcare providers suspect NCS in patients who present with abrupt severe abdominal discomfort, particularly in situations that coincide with rapid weight loss for an unknown reason.

Keywords: incidental; left renal vein entrapment syndrome; nutcracker phenomenon; nutcracker syndrome; rapid weight loss.

Publication types

  • Case Reports