Tissue in urine?? / neropathy

(From Medline plus / http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3286418/?report=classic)

Renal papillary 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 the urine flows into the ureters.

Causes

Renal papillary necrosis usually occurs with analgesic nephropathy. However, a number of other conditions can cause it, including:

Diabetic nephropathyKidney infection (pyelonephritis)Kidney transplant rejectionSickle cell anemiaUrinary tract blockage

Sickle cell anemia is a common cause of renal papillary necrosis in children.

Symptoms

Tissue death (necrosis) of the renal papillae may make the kidney unable to concentrate the urine. Symptoms may include:

Back pain or flank painBloody urineCloudy urineDark, rust-colored, or brown urineTissue pieces in the urine

Other symptoms that may ocur with this disease:

ChillsFeverPainful urinationUrinary frequency or urgencyUrinary hesitancyUrinary incontinenceUrinating large amountsUrinating 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 ofobstructive uropathy or kidney failure.

A urinalysis may show infection or dead tissue in the urine.

An intravenous pyelogram (IVP) may show a blockage or tissue in the renal pelvis or ureter.

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. In some cases, persons with this condition develop kidney failure and will need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

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.

Possible Complications

Acute kidney failureAcute bilateral obstructive uropathyAcute unilateral obstructive uropathyChronic bilateral obstructive uropathyChronic kidney diseaseChronic or recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI)Chronic unilateral obstructive uropathyHyperkalemiaHypovolemiaMetabolic acidosis

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if:

You have bloody urineYou develop other symptoms of renal papillary necrosis, especially after taking over-the-counter pain medications

Prevention

Controlling diabetes or sickle cell anemia may reduce your risk. To prevent renal papillary necrosis from analgesic nephropathy, be careful when using medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers.

Alternative Names

Necrosis - renal papillae; Renal medullary necrosis