Pyelonephritis

Definition

Pyelonephritis is a type of kidney infection that typically occurs when bacteria from the lower urinary tract, such as the bladder, spread to the kidneys. It is characterized by inflammation of the renal pelvis and kidney tissue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Pyelonephritis can be classified as either acute or chronic, depending on the duration and severity of the infection.
2. Acute pyelonephritis is often caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which are the most common pathogens responsible for urinary tract infections.
3. Chronic pyelonephritis can result from recurrent acute infections or structural abnormalities in the urinary tract that predispose the individual to persistent infections.
4. Symptoms of pyelonephritis may include fever, chills, back or abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urination, such as increased frequency, burning, or blood in the urine.
5. Untreated pyelonephritis can lead to serious complications, including renal scarring, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and even sepsis.

Review Questions

• Explain the pathogenesis of pyelonephritis and how it relates to the microscopic anatomy of the kidney.
  • Pyelonephritis typically arises when bacteria, often from the lower urinary tract, ascend to the kidneys and reach the renal pelvis. This infection and inflammation can then spread to the surrounding renal parenchyma, including the nephrons and blood vessels within the kidney's microscopic anatomy. The inflammatory response can lead to damage and scarring of the delicate renal structures, impairing their function and potentially leading to further complications.
• Describe the role of the renal pelvis in the development and progression of pyelonephritis.
  • The renal pelvis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of pyelonephritis. As the funnel-shaped structure that collects urine from the renal calyces and funnels it into the ureter, the renal pelvis provides a direct pathway for bacteria to ascend from the lower urinary tract and reach the kidney tissue. The inflammation and infection of the renal pelvis, known as pyelitis, can then spread to the surrounding renal parenchyma, leading to the characteristic features of pyelonephritis, including tissue damage and scarring.
• Analyze the potential long-term consequences of untreated or recurrent pyelonephritis on the microscopic anatomy and function of the kidney.
  • Untreated or recurrent episodes of pyelonephritis can have significant long-term consequences on the microscopic anatomy and function of the kidney. The persistent inflammation and damage to the renal parenchyma, including the glomeruli, tubules, and blood vessels, can lead to the development of renal scarring and fibrosis. This can impair the kidney's ability to effectively filter waste and excess water from the blood, potentially leading to the development of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and other serious complications. Additionally, the structural abnormalities and compromised function of the kidney may predispose the individual to further recurrent infections, perpetuating the cycle of pyelonephritis and further deterioration of renal health.

Related terms

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): An infection that occurs in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Glomerulonephritis:

Inflammation of the glomeruli, the small blood vessels in the kidneys responsible for filtering waste and excess water from the blood.

Renal Pelvis: The funnel-shaped structure within the kidney that collects urine from the renal calyces and funnels it into the ureter.