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Renal papillary necrosis

Necrosis - renal papillae; Renal medullary necrosis

 

Renal papillary necrosis is a disorder of the kidneys in which all or part of the renal papillae die. The renal papillae are the areas where the openings of the collecting ducts enter the kidney and where urine flows into the ureters.

Causes

 

Renal papillary necrosis often occurs with analgesic nephropathy . This is damage to one or both kidneys caused by overexposure to pain medicines. But, other conditions can also cause renal papillary necrosis, including:

  • Diabetic nephropathy
  • Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)
  • Kidney transplant rejection
  • Sickle cell anemia , a common cause of renal papillary necrosis in children
  • Urinary tract blockage

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms of renal papillary necrosis may include:

  • Back pain or flank pain
  • Bloody, cloudy, or dark urine
  • Tissue pieces in the urine

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

  • Fever and chills
  • Painful urination
  • Needing to urinate more often than usual (frequent urination) or a sudden, strong urge to urinate (urgency)
  • Difficulty starting or maintaining a urine stream ( urinary hesitancy )
  • Urinary incontinence
  • Urinating large amounts
  • Urinating often at night

 

Exams and Tests

 

The area over the affected kidney (in the flank) may feel tender during an exam. There may be a history of urinary tract infections. There may be signs of blocked urine flow or kidney failure.

Tests that may be done include:

  • Urine test
  • Blood tests
  • Ultrasound, CT, or other imaging tests of the kidneys

 

Treatment

 

There is no specific treatment for renal papillary necrosis. Treatment depends on the cause. For example, if analgesic nephropathy is the cause, your doctor will recommend that you stop using the medicine that is causing it. This may allow the kidney to heal over time.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

How well a person does, depends on what is causing the condition. If the cause can be controlled, the condition may go away on its own. Sometimes, people with this condition develop kidney failure and will need dialysis or a kidney transplant .

 

Possible Complications

 

Health problems that may result from renal papillary necrosis include:

  • Kidney infection
  • Kidney stones
  • Kidney cancer, especially in people who take a lot of pain medicines

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

  • You have bloody urine
  • You develop other symptoms of renal papillary necrosis, especially after taking over-the-counter pain medicines

 

Prevention

 

Controlling diabetes or sickle cell anemia may reduce your risk. To prevent renal papillary necrosis from analgesic nephropathy, follow your provider's instructions when using medicines, including over-the-counter pain relievers. Do not take more than the recommended dose without asking your provider.

 

 

Open References

References

Ruggenenti P, Cravedi P, Remuzzi G. Microvascular and macrovascular diseases of the kidney. In: Taal MW, Chertow GM, Marsden PA, Skorecki K, Yu ASL, Brenner BM, eds. Brenner and Rector's The Kidney . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 34.

Zhou M, Netto GJ, Epstein JI. Renal papillary necrosis. In: Zhou M, Netto GJ, Epstein JI, eds. High-Yield Uropathology . Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:253.

 
  • Kidney anatomy

    Kidney anatomy - illustration

    The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

    Kidney anatomy

    illustration

  • Kidney - blood and urine flow

    Kidney - blood and urine flow - illustration

    This is the typical appearance of the blood vessels (vasculature) and urine flow pattern in the kidney. The blood vessels are shown in red and the urine flow pattern in yellow.

    Kidney - blood and urine flow

    illustration

    • Kidney anatomy

      Kidney anatomy - illustration

      The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body, regulating electrolyte balance and blood pressure, and stimulating red blood cell production.

      Kidney anatomy

      illustration

    • Kidney - blood and urine flow

      Kidney - blood and urine flow - illustration

      This is the typical appearance of the blood vessels (vasculature) and urine flow pattern in the kidney. The blood vessels are shown in red and the urine flow pattern in yellow.

      Kidney - blood and urine flow

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Renal papillary necrosis

           
             

            Review Date: 9/22/2015

            Reviewed By: Charles Silberberg, DO, private practice specializing in nephrology, affiliated with New York Medical College, Division of Nephrology, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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