Value of 64-slice spiral CT angiography in diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome

Objective: To explore the value of 64-slice spiral CT angiography for diagnosing nutcracker syndrome. Methods: Multi-phase abdominal CT with 3-D reconstruction was performed using a 64-slice spiral CT scanner. The angle and distance between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and abdominal aorta at the level of left renal vein (LRV) were measured on 58 normal control subjects and 35 patients with nutcracker syndrome. The lumen diameters of the left renal vein at the renal hilum and at the stenosis were compared. Results: The mean angle and distance between the SMA and abdominal aorta were significantly (P<0.001) smaller in the patient group (20.3 degree ± 6.1 degree, 3.3 ± 1.3 mm) than the control group (46.8 degree ± 16.2 degree, 9.8±4.9 mm). The lumen diameter of the proximal LRV (2.0±0.6 mm) was significantly (P<0.001) smaller than that of LRV at the renal hilum (3.9±1.3 mm). Conclusion: The degree of LRV stenosis can be determined by 64-slice spiral CT angiogram for diagnosing nutcracker syndrome. (authors)