54. GANGRENOUS KIDNEY

gangrenous kidney, or renal gangrene, is a life-threatening, critical condition where tissue death (necrosis) occurs due to severe infection (such as gas gangrene) or loss of blood supply (ischemia). It is rare but can result from renal artery thrombosis, severe trauma, or, in very rare cases, complications from procedures like percutaneous renal cryoablation. 

National Institutes of Health (NIH) | (.gov) +4

Key Aspects of a Gangrenous Kidney:

• Causes: The primary causes include severe infections (often by anaerobic bacteria), diabetes, hardened arteries (atherosclerosis), or traumatic injuries.
• Symptoms: Intense, rapid-onset pain, high fever, chills, fatigue, and potential symptoms of sepsis, such as low blood pressure and confusion.
• Diagnosis & Treatment: Diagnosis involves imaging studies like CT scans to look for gas or vascular blockage. Treatment is an emergency, usually requiring immediate surgery to remove dead tissue (debridement or nephrectomy), intravenous antibiotics, and sometimes hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
• Risk Factors: Individuals with chronic kidney disease, diabetes, or severe peripheral vascular disease are at higher risk