Nutcracker syndrome involves compression between which two structures?

Nutcracker syndrome involves compression between which two structures?

• A. Left renal vein and SMA
• B. IVC and Aorta
• C. Aorta and Renal artery
• D. Ureter and Iliac vessels

Answer: (C)

Nutcracker syndrome happens when the left renal vein is pinched as it passes between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. The SMA crosses the aorta and the left renal vein courses between them; when the angle between the SMA and the aorta narrows, the left renal vein becomes compressed, causing venous hypertension and related symptoms. So the two structures involved in the compression are the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, with the left renal vein being the vessel that's compressed between them. The other pairings don’t fit the mechanism of this condition.

Nutcracker syndrome happens when the left renal vein is pinched as it passes between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta. The SMA crosses the aorta and the left renal vein courses between them; when the angle between the SMA and the aorta narrows, the left renal vein becomes compressed, causing venous hypertension and related symptoms. So the two structures involved in the compression are the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, with the left renal vein being the vessel that's compressed between them. The other pairings don’t fit the mechanism of this condition.