Nutcracker syndrome--how well do we know it?

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS), which is caused by compression of the left renal vein between the abdominal aorta and the superior mesenteric artery, leads to a series of clinical symptoms including hematuria, proteinuria, flank pain, and varicocele. The diagnosis of NCS is difficult due to variations in normal anatomy. Treatment, which ranges from observation to nephrectomy, remains controversial. We conducted a review based on the related literature and our experience with hundreds of cases. We summarize the characteristics of NCS, the different measurements used in diagnosis, and the current treatment options. We present our diagnostic criteria and recommend endovascular stenting as the primary option for NCS.