Cortical necrosis of the kidneys

[Dianne]

Renal (kidney) cortical necrosis is death of the tissue in the outer part of the kidney (cortex) that results from blockage of the small arteries that supply blood to the cortex and that causes acute kidney injury.

Usually the cause is a major, catastrophic disorder that decreases blood pressure.
Symptoms may include dark urine, decreased urine volume, fever, and pain in the side of the body.
Sometimes an imaging test or tissue analysis (biopsy) is done to confirm the diagnosis.

(See also Overview of Blood Vessel Disorders of the Kidneys.)
Renal cortical necrosis can occur at any age. About 10% of the cases occur in infants and children.