genitourinary disorders
Renal Cortical Necrosis
Introduction
Renal cortical necrosis is destruction of cortical tissue resulting from renal arteriolar injury and leading to acute kidney injury. This rare disorder typically occurs in neonates and in pregnant or postpartum women when sepsis or pregnancy complications occur. Symptoms and signs include gross hematuria, flank pain, decreased urine output, fever, and symptoms of uremia. Symptoms of the underlying disorder may predominate. Diagnosis is by ultrasonography, CT, or renal biopsy. Mortality rate at 1 year is>20%. Treatment is directed at the underlying disorder and at preserving renal function. In renal cortical necrosis, which may be patchy or diffuse, bilateral renal arteriolar injury results in destruction of cortical tissues and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) . Renal cortical tissues eventually calcify. The juxtamedullary cortex, medulla, and the area just under the capsule are spared. 