Kidney Pathologies Flashcards

Flashcards covering key concepts in kidney pathologies including pyelonephritis, renal calculi, and renal failure.

What is pyelonephritis?

A bacterial infection of the kidney involving the renal pelvis and interstitial tissue.

What is the most common cause of pyelonephritis?

Escherichia coli.

What type of pathology is pyelonephritis classified as?

Inflammatory.

What is the most common route of infection in pyelonephritis?

Ascending infection from the bladder.

Why are females at higher risk for pyelonephritis?

Shorter urethra allows easier bacterial ascent.

What condition promotes infection due to urine stagnation?

Urinary stasis.

What medical intervention increases risk of pyelonephritis?

Urinary catheterization (nosocomial infection).

What are hallmark systemic symptoms of pyelonephritis?

Fever and chills.

What urinary symptoms are seen in pyelonephritis?

Dysuria, frequency, pyuria, bacteriuria.

What type of pain is associated with pyelonephritis?

Flank pain.

What serious complication can untreated pyelonephritis lead to?

Sepsis (septicemia).

What is the imaging modality of choice for pyelonephritis?

Contrast-enhanced CT.

What can CT show in pyelonephritis?

Abscesses, edema, hydronephrosis.

When is MRI used instead of CT?

In pregnancy.

What is the primary treatment for pyelonephritis?

Antibiotics.

What are renal calculi primarily composed of?

Calcium salts (80% radiopaque).

What are other names for renal calculi?

Urolithiasis or urinary calculi.

What are the three classifications of renal calculi?

Metabolic, inflammatory, hereditary.

What endocrine disorder can lead to renal calculi?

Hyperparathyroidism.

How does low water intake contribute to stone formation?

Causes concentrated urine → crystal formation.

What is the mechanism of stone formation?

Calcium crystals stick together and grow.

When do renal calculi typically become symptomatic?

When they move and obstruct the urinary tract.

What is renal colic?

Severe flank pain radiating to the groin.

Why is renal colic sometimes intermittent?

Due to ureter peristalsis.

What are two key urinary findings in renal calculi?

Hematuria and pyuria.

What is a staghorn calculus?

Large stone filling renal pelvis and calyces.

What conditions are associated with staghorn calculi?

Chronic infections, reflux, neurogenic bladder.

What is the gold standard imaging for renal calculi?

Non-contrast CT.

What size stones can ultrasound reliably detect?

3 mm.

Name the 3 common sites where stones lodge.

Ureteropelvic junction (UPJ), Pelvic brim, Ureterovesical junction (UVJ).

What medication helps pass stones by relaxing the ureter?

Alpha blockers.

What is ESWL?

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy to break stones.

What is renal failure?

Inability of kidneys to filter waste products.

What are the two main types of renal failure?

Acute and chronic.

What part of the kidney is primarily affected in acute renal failure?

Nephrons.

What happens if acute renal failure is untreated?

Progresses to chronic renal failure.

What is another name for chronic renal failure?

Chronic kidney disease (end-stage renal disease).

What dangerous electrolyte imbalance occurs in renal failure?

Hyperkalemia.

Why is hyperkalemia life-threatening?

Causes arrhythmias and cardiac arrest.

What lab values indicate renal failure?

↑ Creatinine, ↑ BUN, ↓ GFR.