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Cortical Necrosis of the Kidneys

By

The Manual's Editorial Staff

Reviewed/Revised Oct 2023
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The Kidneys
VIDEO

Your kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs that make urine (pee), balance your body’s water and mineral levels, and filter waste out of your blood.

The Urinary Tract

The Urinary Tract

What is cortical necrosis of the kidneys?

Cortical necrosis of the kidneys is the death of tissue in the outer layer (cortex) of one or both of your kidneys.

Cortical necrosis is caused by a blockage of the blood vessels that bring blood to your kidneys.

What causes cortical necrosis of the kidneys?

The causes depend on age.

In newborns, causes include:

In children, causes include:

In adults, causes include:

What are the symptoms of cortical necrosis of the kidneys?

You usually don't have any symptoms unless you get kidney failure. Symptoms of kidney failure include:

  • Feeling weak and tired

  • Feeling sick to your stomach

  • Being less hungry than usual

  • Itching

  • Feeling sleepy or confused

How can doctors tell if I have cortical necrosis of the kidneys?

Doctors suspect cortical necrosis if you have one of the disorders that can cause it and routine blood tests show your kidneys aren't working normally. To tell for sure, they may do:

  • Computed tomography angiography (CTA)—a type of CT scan that focuses on your major blood vessels

How do doctors treat cortical necrosis of the kidneys?

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