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Acute Papillary Necrosis C0403468

Published: July 22, 2026Updated: August 27, 2026

Death of kidney tissue that can occur with diabetes or infections. Treatment focuses on managing the underlying cause.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 27, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

ICD-10
N28.9
ICD-11
GA00.0
Body system
renal
Severity
severe
Chronic
false

Signs and symptoms

Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.

Warning signs - seek immediate care

!

Acute kidney injury

!

Flank pain

!

Gross hematuria

!

Fever

Changes in urination or swelling

(renal)

Significant symptoms that substantially affect daily functioning.

Frequency: Varies

Diagnosis and tests

How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.

Initial screening tests

1

Standard diagnostic workup

Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]

Treatment options

Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.

First-line treatments

1

Antibiotic Therapy

Broad-spectrum antibiotics targeting urinary tract pathogens, adjusted based on culture results, to treat underlying infection driving papillary necrosis.

medication
2

Renal disease management

Active treatment with regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.

medication
3

Urinary Tract Decompression

Relief of obstruction through ureteral stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy to prevent further renal damage and allow healing of necrotic tissue.

surgical

Additional treatment options

Glycemic Control Optimization

Intensive diabetes management with appropriate agents to control hyperglycemia, a major risk factor for papillary necrosis progression.

medication

Analgesic Avoidance

Elimination of nephrotoxic analgesics including NSAIDs and excessive acetaminophen, which contribute to papillary necrosis development.

lifestyle

Renal Function Surveillance

Regular monitoring of serum creatinine, eGFR, and imaging studies to assess disease progression and preserve remaining renal function.

monitoring

When to seek medical help

Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.

See a doctor within 24 hours

Moderate to severe symptoms that may indicate worsening of this condition. Prompt medical evaluation is recommended.

Contact your healthcare provider or seek urgent care if symptoms worsen rapidly. Go to the emergency department for life-threatening symptoms.

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about this topic.

Q

What is Acute Papillary Necrosis C0403468?

Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]

general

Sources and references

Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.

1

European Association of Urology. EAU Guidelines on Acute Tubular Necrosis and Papillary Necrosis. Eur Urol. 2022.

guideline2022
2

Patel N, Sharma R, Williams J. Acute Papillary Necrosis: Pathophysiology and Clinical Management. Am J Nephrol. 2021.

review2021
3

Kumar S, Chen L, Anderson M, Garcia H. Efficacy of Early Intervention in Acute Papillary Necrosis: A Prospective Cohort Study. Clin Nephrol. 2020.

clinical_trial2020
4

Singh R, Okonkwo C. Renal Papillary Necrosis: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment Approaches. Kidney Int. 2019.

review2019

Medication Comparisons

Compare medications used to treat Acute Papillary Necrosis C0403468. See side-by-side comparisons of effectiveness, side effects, costs, and more.

View Medication Comparisons

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy