Cortical Necrosis of the Kidneys
Your kidneys are 2 bean-shaped organs that make urine, balance your body’s water and mineral levels, and filter waste out of your blood.
What is cortical necrosis of the kidneys?
The outer part of the kidney is called the cortex. Necrosis means death of tissue. 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.
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Cortical necrosis happens when something interferes with blood flow to your kidneys
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It's often caused by a severe health problem that causes a big drop in blood pressure
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Cortical necrosis causes your kidneys to stop doing their job (kidney failure)
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You urinate less, have dark urine, a fever, and pain in your lower back
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Doctors treat the health problem causing cortical necrosis of the kidneys and may give you fluids and antibiotics
What causes cortical necrosis of the kidneys?
The causes depend on age.
In newborns, causes include:
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Bacterial infection of the bloodstream (sepsis)
In children, causes include:
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Severe infection
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Severe dehydration
In adults, causes include:
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Complications from pregnancy, such as uterine bleeding, infections after delivery, and preeclampsia
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Severe infection (sepsis)
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Severe blood loss from an injury or surgery
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Certain drugs or chemicals
What are the symptoms of cortical necrosis of the kidneys?
How can doctors tell if I have cortical necrosis of the kidneys?
How do doctors treat cortical necrosis of the kidneys?
Doctors treat the problem that caused the cortical necrosis.
If you have kidney failure, you may need:
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Dialysis (a machine filters your blood when your kidneys aren't able to)
