Renal nutcracker syndrome is a rare disorder where blood flow coming out of the kidney is restricted. The restriction is caused by compression of the left renal vein by the superior mesenteric artery. In moderate to severe cases, patients can experience blood in the urine (hematuria) and chronic abdominal pain, pelvic pain, flank pain, fatigue, or a combination thereof.

The purpose of this animation is to educate patients on the anatomy of nutcracker syndrome and provide and overview of several surgical treatments. One such treatment involves placing a stent within the left renal vein at a site beneath the superior mesenteric artery to prevent compression. Another treatment involves embolization of the left gonadal and/or renal epidural anastomosis to raise pressure within the left renal vein and prevent collapse.