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The Nutcracker is the popular name for a small hard shell cracker. However, few people know that this name is also used to describe a certain disease syndrome associated with visceral circulation. What is the nutcracker syndrome? What are its symptoms and causes? And finally – how to effectively treat Nutcracker Syndrome?
What is Nutcracker Syndrome?
Nutcracker syndrome is a certain venous pathology of the visceral circulation, which is characterized by the fact that the venous outflow of blood is disturbed. This disease is quite difficult to detect. Perhaps that is also why they are referred to as rare. Nutcracker syndrome is also called renal vein compression syndrome by doctors. The condition was first described in 1974 by a team of specialists led by Dr. Schepper.
What are the different types of nutcracker syndrome?
Nutcracker syndrome can take many forms depending on which lot is affected. We distinguish between the front, rear and inverted assembly. The first type is when the mesenteric artery and the aorta compress the left renal vein that runs high. The posterior syndrome is when the pressure affects the aortic renal vein between the aortic aneurysm and the lumbar spine. Inverted syndrome is one in which there is pressure on the right renal vein.
What are the causes of Nutcracker Syndrome?
The main cause of Nutcracker Syndrome is the specific position of the superior mesenteric artery, which is at a very slight angle to the abdominal aorta. As a result of this arrangement, the left renal vein is compressed, which causes it to widen. The pressure increases blood pressure, which can lead to further disturbing symptoms and dangerous diseases.
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What are the symptoms of nutcracker syndrome?
Nutcracker syndrome is associated with a variety of symptoms that may affect various organs and systems. First of all, digestive system ailments, such as nausea or vomiting, are observed, but the very common symptoms also include those related to the urinary system. Among them, hematuria and proteinuria should be distinguished.
A common symptom of Nutcracker Syndrome are pains usually affecting the left hip and the lumbar area. Some patients with Nutcracker Syndrome complain of fatigue, varicose veins of the legs, haemorrhoids, pain during intercourse, and in women also pain and ovarian cysts, menstrual disorders.
Much less often, though it is also possible, it happens that the Nutcracker Syndrome does not produce any noticeable symptoms.
Who is most susceptible to getting Nutcracker Syndrome?
Nutcracker syndrome is a known ailment, but still not fully researched. It is not fully known how the nutcracker syndrome develops, but it is known that it can be classified as an anatomical defect.
Interestingly, this syndrome is more common in women with low body weight and is often associated with superior mesenteric artery syndrome.
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How is nutcracker syndrome diagnosed?
Nutcracker syndrome is not easy to recognize. In order to find out, it usually takes a number of different tests. The basic ones include: general urine examination, ultrasound, cystoscopy, as well as phlebographic examination, which allows to determine the pressure between the vena cava and the vein in which the lesion was observed. Although it should be emphasized here that due to the relatively high risk of complications, the last examination is rarely performed. In a general urine test, Nutcracker Syndrome may indicate either hematuria or proteinuria.
Treatment of the nutcracker syndrome
Nutcracker syndrome is a very distinctive ailment. Some people have a spontaneous recovery from the disease, the causes of which are not always clear. In particular, such a withdrawal occurs in the case of children and adolescentsbecause this age group is characterized by a rapid change in body proportions and thus also the arrangement of internal organs.
If this ailment does not pass spontaneously, but is mild, it is not necessary to immediately decide on a specific treatment. It is enough to simply undergo a regular medical check-up and perform the recommended laboratory tests to monitor the development of the disease.
If Nutcracker Syndrome is more severe, appropriate treatment is required, depending on various factors including the intensity and type of symptoms. Sometimes a specialist recommends an operation that involves placing the so-called stent. A stent is a small element in the form of a spring that helps to open a blood vessel. It also happens that the treatment of Nutcracker Syndrome requires the removal of the kidney. It is also important to treat as many of the symptoms associated with the disease as possible. Among other things, closure of varicose veins is used.
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