renal papillary necrosis


re·nal pap·il·lar·y ne·cro·sis

necrosis of renal papillae, occurring in acute pyelonephritis, especially in patients with diabetes, or in analgesic nephropathy; renal failure may result. Synonym(s): necrotizing papillitis

renal papillary necrosis

Destruction of the papillae of the kidney, usually as a result of pyelonephritis, diabetes mellitus, sickle cell disease, urinary obstruction, or the toxic effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. If the necrotic tissue sloughs into the ureters, it may cause renal colic similar to the pain caused by a kidney stone.