The possible complications of a renal infarction
The duration and extent of the renal infarction significantly determine the course of the disease. If the renal infarction affects a larger area of the kidney, acute renal failure may occur. Acute kidney failure is characterized by the kidney being unable to perform its tasks properly.
Urinary substances from the blood, which are normally excreted with the urine via the kidneys, remain in the blood. This has a negative effect on the electrolyte and acid-base balance of the body. Life-threatening uraemia (urine poisoning) can occur when urine accumulates in the urinary tract.
In addition, kidney failure can cause other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, unbearable itching and inflammation of the stomach and intestinal mucosa. There may even be pulmonary edema, shortness of breath and cyanosis (blue coloration of the skin and mucous membranes). A long-term increased urea content in the blood can lead to pathological changes in the brain.If the renal infarction is caused by an arterial vessel occlusion, the renal failure can become chronic and turn into renal insufficiency (kidney weakness).
Renal insufficiency often requires dialysis. If the renal infarction is caused by an arterial vessel occlusion, the kidney failure can become chronic and turn into renal insufficiency (kidney weakness). Kidney failure often requires dialysis.
The long-term consequences of a renal infarction
The long-term consequences are strongly dependent on the extent and duration of the reduced blood flow in the kidney. In the case of a mild renal infarction, which is detected and disabled at an early stage, an extensive recovery of the kidney can be expected. If the infarction is pronounced and lasts longer, renal failure may result.
In chronic kidney failure, the kidney can even excrete protein and blood. Water retention can occur and diseases of the urinary tract can develop. In the advanced stage of chronic kidney failure, pronounced symptoms can occur, accompanied by poor performance, vomiting, nausea, severe water retention and skin changes. In the case of terminal kidney failure, a kidney transplant is necessary.
