Ultrasound in Medical Education Scientific Session 1
Comparative Diagnostic Sensitivity of Renal Doppler and CT scan for Nutcracker Syndrome in Individuals with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) or Postural Symptoms without Tachycardia (PSWT).
Sunday, April 7, 2024
9:34am – 9:41am
Location: 410
Authors: Jawad Shahid, The Heartbeat Clinic Sidra Shahid Mubasher, Heartbeat Clinic Kazma Kulsoom, The Heartbeat Clinic Ramsha Ahmed, The Heartbeat Clinic Amna Butt, The heartbeat clinic Amer Suleman, The Heartbeat Clinic ,
Nutcracker syndrome is a condition caused by compression of the left renal vein as it passes between the superior mesenteric artery and the aorta, that may present with renal venous hypertension and left flank pain. It has been associated with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and postural symptoms without tachycardia (PSWT), which are disorders of autonomic system. POTS is characterized by an increase in heart rate of more than 30 beats per minute when transitioning from a lying down or sitting position to an upright posture, it frequently presents with additional symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, syncope, and cognitive dysfunction. While PSWT mimics the same symptoms without significant increase in heart rate. The relationship between nutcracker syndrome and POTS or PSWT is not fully understood, but it is hypothesized that compression of the left renal vein leads to venous pooling and reduced circulating blood volume, which could contribute to worsening of these syndromes. Diagnosis of nutcracker syndrome relies on imaging modalities such as Doppler ultrasonography of the renal vessels or computed tomography angiography (CTA). This study assesses the comparative diagnostic sensitivity of Doppler ultrasonography and CT angiography in these patients, aiming to enhance patient care for this complex condition.