Nutcracker Syndrome in a 77-Year-Old Female With Bilateral May-Thurner Syndrome: A Case Report

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) is an uncommon condition that predominantly affects the left renal vein (LRV) because of its entrapment between the aorta and superior mesenteric vein. It can result in pain in the left flank or back, hematuria, and proteinuria. May-Thurner syndrome (MTS) is described as a condition in which the left common iliac vein is compressed by the right common iliac artery, causing swelling, fullness, venous ulcers, or varicose veins in the leg. We present a case of a 77-year-old female who had these symptoms for over a decade, until she was diagnosed in 2017. Initially, she experienced swelling and pain in her left leg, which began in 2005; however, treatment did not begin until she had her left ovarian vein embolized in 2017. Her symptoms returned the following year, leading to the diagnosis of bilateral MTS. Owing to recurring symptoms in 2022, a repeat venogram revealed bilateral external iliac vein constriction, requiring intervention. She presented to our clinic in 2023 after being referred by her cardiologist because of persistent back pain and venous congestion. This led to the findings and diagnosis of NCS with bilateral MTS.