Renal papillary necrosis is a form of nephropathy involving the ischemic necrosis of the renal papilla, which is supplied by the vasa recta.

Causes

It is primarily caused by diabetes mellitus, in which it is related to renal infection or vascular disease. It can also occur as a result of acute pyelonephritis or sickle cell disease. Lastly, it can be an outcome of chronic analgesic nephritis, with persistent use or abuse of phenacetin or its derivatives (such as Acetaminophen). This is less common since phenacetin is no longer available over the counter.

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