Renal cortical necrosis (RCN) is a rare cause of acute kidney failure.
In general the renal cortex is under greater oxygen tension and more prone to ischemic injury, especially at the level of the proximal collecting tubule, leading to its preferential damage in a sudden drop in perfusion.
Pathologically, the cortex of the kidney is grossly atrophied with relative preservation of the gross structure of the medulla.
Alternatively, it is diagnosed clinically, or at autopsy, with some authors suggesting diagnosis by contrast enhanced CT.[17] Patients will require dialysis to compensate for the function of their kidneys.
Of those that survive the initial event, there are varying degrees of recovery possible, depending on the extent of the damage.