Renal Infarction

Infarction

Kidney infarct. Courtesy of T. Scase Cambridge University

• Vascular occlusion due to thrombosis or embolism can lead to renal infarction. Stasis and congestion occur followed by parenchymal swelling, necrosis and eventually fibrosis. The degree, distribution and consequences of the infarct depend on the vessel occluded.
  • Renal artery occlusion leads to total or subtotal renal necrosis.
  • Arcuate artery occlusion leads to necrosis of a wedge of the cortex and medulla.
  • Interlobular vessel occlusion causes cortical necrosis only.
• An acute infarct appears as a wedge shaped area of swelling and haemorrhage. After 2 to 3 days, the area becomes pale with a surrounding zone of hyperaemia. Eventually shrinking and fibrosis occurs, leading to distortion of the contour.