Renal papillary necrosis is selective tissue death of the renal papilla causing a nephropathy.
Presentation may be with loin pain and haematuria. It can cause both acute and chronic renal failure.
Causes:
- Most common:
- Analgesic overuse
- Urinary tract obstruction
- Diabetes
- Sickle cell
- Other:
Pyelonephritis is often listed as a cause but this is controversial – it is difficult to determine if it is in fact a cause or an effect.
Investigation is with IVU or CT.
Urine may show a sterile pyuria.
References: