Shrink kidney

Shrink kidney

Classification according to ICD-10
N26	Shrunken kidney, unspecified
ICD-10 online (WHO version 2019)

The shrunken kidney or nephro cirrhosis is the final state of many kidney parenchymal diseases. The conversion of nephrons in connective and scar tissue is usually associated with the almost complete loss of function of the organ. If this happens unilaterally, the other kidney can take over the function of the failed organ through hypertrophy . If the kidney is shrunk on both sides, there is renal insufficiency .

causes

• Vascular diseases ( arteriosclerosis ) lead to the primary shrink kidney .
• Inflammations ( glomerulonephritis , pyelonephritis and others chronic nephritis ) lead to the secondary shrinking kidney .
• Other causes ( arterial hypertension , ureteral stenosis, etc.)

pathology

Macroscopically , the organ is significantly smaller (organ weight <80 g, normally> 150 g) and has an irregular surface due to glomerulosclerosis . Histologically , one usually finds obliteration of the glomerula , interstitial fibrosis , tubular atrophy , cysts and irregular inflammatory infiltrates . Benign kidney tumors are also common .

Diagnosis

• Kidney function :

Assessment of kidney function by determining urine volume, urine composition (cells, proteins such as albumin ), urea , creatinine , creatinine clearance, etc.

• Kidney biopsy :

Can clarify the cause of the shrinking kidneys and then use specific therapy to maintain residual kidney function. However, this does not always make sense if the kidney is completely shrunken, as the underlying disease can often no longer be recognized.

Complications

• Renal failure:

If the loss of function of the kidneys exceeds a certain threshold, urinary substances accumulate in the blood ( uremia ). Hemodialysis or a kidney transplant is then necessary therapeutically .

• renal hypertension ( high blood pressure ):

Increase in blood pressure via the so-called renin-angiotensin system (may require removal of the shrunken kidneys).

See also

• Diuresis
• Anuria
• Chronic kidney failure

Older literature

• Joachim Frey : Hemorrhagic nephritis. In: Ludwig Heilmeyer (ed.): Textbook of internal medicine. Springer-Verlag, Berlin / Göttingen / Heidelberg 1955; 2nd edition ibid. 1961, pp. 926-951, here: pp. 945-951 ( Nephrocirrhosen ).

Web links

Wiktionary: Shrunken kidney  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations

• www-medlib.med.utah.edu/WebPath
  • Preparation of a urinary tract with shrunken kidneys
  • Histological specimen of a shrunken kidney

This article is about a health issue. It is not used for self-diagnosis and does not replace a diagnosis by a doctor. Please note the information on health issues !