Kidney CT Appearances
Papillary Necrosis CT Findings
- Localized or diffuse
- Unilateral or bilateral
- Contrast-filled clefts in renal medulla
- Nonenhanced lesions surrounding by rings of excreted contrast
- Hyperattenuated medullary calcifications
Other Information About Papillary Necrosis
Etiology:
- Analgesic nephropathy
- Sickle cell disease
- Diabetes
- Prolonged NSAID use
Epidemiology:
- More common in patients over 50
- More common in females
Presentation:
- Back pain
- Hematuria
- Dysuria
- Changes in urination habits
Prognosis:
- Papillary Necrosis is best treated by managing the underlying condition
- In many cases, the underlying condition is a chronic disease (eg diabetes, sickle cell disease)
Related Lectures:
CT Evaluation of Hematuria: A Practical Approach - Part 3
CT of Calyceal Abnormalities in the Kidney: Pearls and Pitfalls - Part 2
Abdominal Pain in the ED: GU Pathology - Part 2