Mesoaortic compression of the left renal vein (nutcracker syndrome): case reports and review of the literature.

Compression of the left renal vein between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery has been termed the nutcracker syndrome. Obstruction of left renal vein outflow results in venous hypertension with the formation of intra- and extrarenal collaterals and/or the development of gonadal vein reflux. To date, a variety of clinical symptoms due to mesoaortic compression of the left renal vein (nutcracker syndrome) have been described.

Reduced protease inhibitory capacity in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms is reversed with surgical repair.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) disease is a complex degenerative process that is associated with elevated proteolytic activity. This increased proteolytic activity may be linked to an imbalance in the protease regulatory mechanisms. We hypothesize that reduced AAA plasma inhibitory capacity is related to increased elastolytic activity observed in patients with AAA, which promotes matrix degradation in the aortic wall and AAA expansion.