Acute tubular necrosis is a kidney disorder involving damage to the tubule cells of the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney failure.
Alternative NamesNecrosis - renal tubular; ATN; Necrosis - acute tubular
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsAcute tubular necrosis (ATN) is caused by lack of oxygen to the kidney tissues (ischemia of the kidneys).
The internal structures of the kidney, particularly the tissues of the kidney tubule, become damaged or destroyed. ATN is one of the most common structural changes that can lead to acute renal failure.
ATN is one of the most common causes of kidney failure in hospitalized patients. Risks for acute tubular necrosis include:
Liver disease and kidney damage caused by Diabetes (diabetic nephropathy) may make a person more susceptible to the condition.
ATN can be caused by:
Note: Other symptoms of acute kidney failure may also be present.
Signs and testsExamination usually indicates acute kidney failure. There may be signs of fluid overload, including abnormal sounds on listening to the heart and lungs with a stethoscope (auscultation).
Other signs include:
In most people, acute tubular necrosis is reversible. The goal of treatment is to prevent life-threatening complications of acute kidney failure during the time the lesion is present.
Treatment focuses on preventing the excess build-up of fluids and wastes, while allowing the kidneys to heal. Patents should be watched for deterioration of kidney function.
Treatment can include:
Dialysis can remove excess waste and fluids. This can make you feel better, and may make the kidney failure easier to control. Dialysis may not be necessary for all people, but is often lifesaving, especially if serum potassium is dangerously high.
Dialysis may be needed in the following cases:
The duration of symptoms varies. The decreased urine output phase may last from a few days to 6 weeks or more. This is occasionally followed by a period of high urine output, where the healed and newly functioning kidneys try to clear the body of fluid and wastes.
One or two days after urine output rises, symptoms reduce and laboratory values begin to return to normal.
ComplicationsCall your health care provider if your urine output decreases or stops, or if you develop other symptoms of acute tubular necrosis.
PreventionPromptly treating conditions that can lead to decreased blood flow and/or decreased oxygen to the kidneys can reduce the risk of acute tubular necrosis.
Blood transfusions are crossmatched to reduce the risk of incompatibility reactions.
Control conditions such as diabetes, liver disorders, and cardiac disorders to reduce the risk of acute tubular necrosis.
Carefully monitor exposure to medications that can be toxic to the kidney. Have your blood levels of these medications checked regularly. Drink a lot of fluids after having any radiocontrast dyes to allow them to be removed from the body and reduce the risk of kidney damage.
ReferencesGoldman L, Ausiello D. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders; 2007 Chapter 121
In acute tubular necrosis (ATN), the specific gravity of urine is typically low, often around 1.010 or lower. This is due to the impaired concentrating ability of the kidneys, as the renal tubules are damaged and unable to reabsorb water effectively. As a result, the urine becomes more dilute compared to normal urine, which usually has a specific gravity ranging from 1.010 to 1.030.
ATN Acute Tubular Necrosis The causes of acute renal failure (ARF) are conventionally and conveniently divided into 3 categories: prerenal, renal, and postrenal. Prerenal ARF involves an essentially normal kidney that is responding to hypoperfusion by decreasing the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Renal, or intrinsic, ARF refers to a condition in which the pathology lies within the kidney itself. Postrenal failure is caused by an obstruction of the urinary tract. Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is the most common cause of ARF in the renal category.
Acute, non healing burn
Myelomalacia is the softening or necrosis of the spinal cord after an acute injury.
As long as you have a kidney in line For a transplant if you need it. It would not be a good idea for your health. Expired tetracycline has been known to cause acute tubular necrosis (basically your kidneys die). So I guess for short, no.
Liquefactive necrosis is good for your body, especially your brain (due to the beneficial liquids produced) but coagulative necrosis is bad due to the clumping and coagulation (i.e. clotting) that occurs.Coagulation necrosis is the "acute" necrosis in which the protein fibers become denatured and everything turns into a semi-solid mess of dead tissue. Liquefactive necrosis is a more "chronic" necrosis in which the dead tissue is digested into a liquid which can then be removed by the macrophages.
The damage caused to the nephron due to lack of blood flow is called ischemic injury or acute tubular necrosis. This condition occurs when there is inadequate oxygen and nutrients reaching the nephrons, leading to their damage and dysfunction. Early recognition and treatment are important to prevent further kidney damage.
Fat necrosis is one of many types of necrosis. Necrosis is cell death with inflammation (different from apoptosis, which is without inflammation). Fat necrosis occurs in two forms. 1. Traumatic fat necrosis is the result of trauma. Cellular damage to fat-rich organs, such as the breasts, can lead to necrosis of the adipocytes. 2. Fat necrosis as a result of acute haemorrhagic pancreatitis. In this case, damage to the pancrease releases lipolytic enzymes into the blood, causing damage, and eventual necrosis of adipocytes.
Acute uric acid nephropathyOverproduction of uric often occurs when tissue breakdown is accelerated. Acute uric acid nephropathy is the term used to describe the development of acute oligoanuric renal failure caused by renal tubular obstruction by urate and uric acid crystals.
Acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis can lead to death due to complications such as multiorgan failure, septic shock, or massive internal bleeding. These complications can be a result of the severe inflammation and tissue damage that occur in the pancreas and surrounding organs during an acute hemorrhagic pancreatitis episode. Early intervention and aggressive treatment are crucial in improving the chances of survival.
Abnormal casts in urine are cylindrical structures formed in the renal tubules, typically composed of proteins, cells, or other substances. Their presence can indicate various kidney conditions, such as glomerulonephritis, acute tubular necrosis, or urinary tract obstructions. Common types of abnormal casts include red blood cell casts, white blood cell casts, and granular casts, each suggesting different underlying pathologies. The identification of these casts during urinalysis can aid in diagnosing renal diseases and monitoring kidney health.
Haemorrhagic Necrotising Pancreatitis is a severe form of pancreatitis characterized by the death of pancreatic tissue (necrosis) and bleeding. This condition typically arises from acute pancreatitis, often due to factors like gallstones or excessive alcohol consumption. The necrosis can lead to systemic complications, including infection and organ failure, making it a critical medical emergency. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive management are essential to improve outcomes for affected patients.