What is the Origin of Kidney Infarction?

The term combines the anatomical site, "kidney," with "infarction," which describes tissue death due to vascular obstruction. This condition is part of general pathology and cardiovascular medicine, though its specific consequences are managed in nephrology. The endocrine relevance is due to the kidney's crucial role in producing hormones like renin and erythropoietin.

What is the Mechanism of Kidney Infarction?

The cessation of blood flow deprives the affected renal tissue of oxygen, leading to rapid cellular energy depletion and irreversible cell death within the ischemic zone. This localized injury often triggers a powerful, systemic endocrine response, primarily the inappropriate activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by the remaining viable tissue. The resulting surge in angiotensin II causes intense vasoconstriction and contributes significantly to the development of systemic hypertension.

Kidney Infarction ∞ Area

Kidney Infarction

Meaning

Kidney Infarction is a clinical condition characterized by localized tissue necrosis, or death, within the renal parenchyma resulting from an acute, critical obstruction of the arterial blood supply to a segment of the kidney. This ischemic event is typically caused by an embolus or thrombus, leading to acute kidney injury, flank pain, and often the development of secondary hypertension. Because the kidney is a key endocrine organ, the infarction compromises both excretory and hormonal regulatory functions.