Nutcracker Syndrome Associated With Wilkie’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Nutcracker syndrome and Wilkie's syndrome are rare vascular compression disorders that share a common anatomical etiology, a reduced aortomesenteric angle leading to the compression of the left renal vein and the third portion of the duodenum, respectively. The coexistence of both syndromes is extremely rare. We report the case of a 32-year-old female patient with recurrent left flank pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. The initial imaging revealed a compression of the left renal vein consistent with the nutcracker syndrome. Conservative treatment was initiated. Two years later, she developed postprandial epigastric pain and dyspepsia. Further imaging demonstrated a significant narrowing of the aortomesenteric angle, duodenal compression, and gastric dilatation, confirming the coexistence of Wilkie's syndrome. Management remained conservative, with multidisciplinary follow-up. This case emphasizes the importance of considering overlapping vascular compression syndromes in patients with evolving abdominal symptoms. Early recognition is crucial to avoid unnecessary investigations and to optimize clinical outcomes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-06-09
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.85632
Primary Topic
Vascular anomalies and interventions
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Nutcracker Syndrome Associated With Wilkie’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Isabelle Faray Lopes, Dulce B Brandão
Cureus
Vascular anomalies and interventions
article

Nutcracker Syndrome Associated With Wilkie’s Syndrome: A Case Report

Isabelle Faray Lopes, Dulce B Brandão
article en

Abstract

Nutcracker syndrome and Wilkie's syndrome are rare vascular compression disorders that share a common anatomical etiology, a reduced aortomesenteric angle leading to the compression of the left renal vein and the third portion of the duodenum, respectively. The coexistence of both syndromes is extremely rare. We report the case of a 32-year-old female patient with recurrent left flank pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. The initial imaging revealed a compression of the left renal vein consistent with the nutcracker syndrome. Conservative treatment was initiated. Two years later, she developed postprandial epigastric pain and dyspepsia. Further imaging demonstrated a significant narrowing of the aortomesenteric angle, duodenal compression, and gastric dilatation, confirming the coexistence of Wilkie's syndrome. Management remained conservative, with multidisciplinary follow-up. This case emphasizes the importance of considering overlapping vascular compression syndromes in patients with evolving abdominal symptoms. Early recognition is crucial to avoid unnecessary investigations and to optimize clinical outcomes.

CureusVol. 17(6)
Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (PT)
Zero hunger
Openalex Percentile: Top 77%
Vascular anomalies and interventions
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