Nutcracker syndrome presenting as recurrent hematuria

Abstract

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) occurs from compression of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. It is rare and commonly presents with hematuria, flank pain, and dysuria. A 27-year-old male with sickle cell trait presented with a 9-month history of total hematuria complicated with anemia necessitating blood transfusion. He had no overt signs of urogenital infestation, renal impairment, or trauma. Genotype was AS. Intravenous urography was normal. On cystoscopy, the bleeding was seen to be coming through the left ureteral orifice. Renal angiography showed left renal venous stasis and contrast extravasation into the upper calyces. An impression of NCS was made. Other imaging modalities (computed tomography and ultrasound) supported NCS. NCS should be suspected in cases of recurrent hematuria.