Compression of the vein that carries blood filtered by the left kidney
Left renal vein compression, or nutcracker syndrome, occurs when the left renal vein is squeezed or compressed by surrounding arteries of the body. This can cause renal venous hypertension (high blood pressure in the kidney veins) and veins to rupture.
The most common type of nutcracker syndrome is anterior compression, in which the left renal vein is pinched between the abdominal aorta and another artery. Compression between the abdominal aorta and the spine is called posterior nutcracker syndrome.
Although some people may not experience any symptoms, they often are more severe when you are active. Symptoms may include:
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Blood or protein in the urine
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Enlarged ovarian veins (women) or scrotal veins (men)
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Lightheadedness when standing
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Palpitations, the sensation that the heart rate is skipping, slowing down, or racing
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Pain in the pelvic area, upper abdomen, back, or sides
Tests
Diagnosing left renal vein compression is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs
Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.
Treatments
Although left renal vein compression may resolve on its own, some cases will require treatment to avoid complications, such as anemia, blood clots, or kidney damage. Your doctor will evaluate your condition and implement an individualized treatment plan.
Renal Artery Stenting
Renal artery stenting is used to open blocked or narrowed arteries that supply blood to the kidneys.
Our providers
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Vascular Surgery
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Sonya Alekseyev, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery
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Margaret Walkup Arnold, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Vanessa R. Banks-Gonzales, ACNP-BC MSN
Critical Care Medicine, Vascular Surgery & Surgical Critical Care
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Martha Julia R. Beene, AGACNP-BC MSN
Surgical Critical Care, Vascular Surgery & Critical Care Medicine
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Fausta Corsini, MMS PA
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Manisha Gonsalves Durkee, FNPBC MSN
Family Medicine & Vascular Surgery
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Jesse Patrick Garcia, MD
General Surgery, Vascular Surgery & Internal Medicine
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Suzanne Siefert Kool, MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Krystal C. Maloni, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
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Dana Lurae Parker, MSN NP
Vascular Surgery, Endocrinology Diabetes and Metabolism, Cardiology, Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology, Interventional Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure And Transplant Cardiology, Cardiovascular Disease & Cardiac Surgery
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Kyle B. Reynolds, MD
Vascular Surgery
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Daniel Martin Schwegler, PA
Vascular Surgery
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Stephen Fulvio Stanziale, MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Patricia B. Warble, ANPBC DNP MSN
Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Disease & General Surgery
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Nabil Badro, MD
Vascular Surgery & General Surgery
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Naren Gupta, MD
General Surgery & Vascular Surgery
Show All Vascular Surgery
Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.