Correlation between “Nutcracker phenomenon” and venous hypertension of the lower extremities: Three case reports

Abstract

We report three cases of left renal vein (LRV) compression resulting in deep venous insufficiency of the lower extremities, among which two patients showed clinical symptoms in both lower extremities. All patients were treated successfully with LRV stenting. The pathophysiology suggested that the secondary gonadal vein reflux owing to LRV compression drained into the iliac veins, resulting in a volume overload and venous hypertension in the iliocaval region. Computed tomography angiography was useful in diagnosing this condition, allowing the evaluation of LRV compression, identification of early opacification of the gonadal vein reflux, and exclusion of other pathologies resulting in deep venous insufficiency of the lower extremities.

Keywords

• Deep venous insufficiency
• Gonadal vein reflux
• Nutcracker phenomenon
• Pelvic venous disorders
• Renal vein compression
• Renal vein stenting