What is the main cause of postrenal acute kidney injury?

Postrenal acute kidney injury occurs when there is an obstruction in the urinary tract that prevents urine from being excreted, leading to increased pressure in the renal collecting system. This obstruction can result in damage to the kidneys and a decline in kidney function. Kidney stones are a common cause of such obstruction, as they can form in the renal pelvis or ureters, blocking the flow of urine and causing backup problems.

When kidney stones cause urinary obstruction, the elevated pressure within the renal system can lead to dilation of the renal pelvis and ureters, eventually hurting the renal parenchyma if prolonged. This condition is time-sensitive, as early identification and management of the obstruction are crucial to prevent irreversible kidney damage.

In contrast, acute tubular necrosis is typically categorized as a prerenal or intrarenal cause of kidney injury rather than postrenal, as it results from damage to the kidney tubules from various factors but does not inherently involve obstruction. Chronic glomerulonephritis is primarily a long-term condition affecting the glomeruli, leading to progressive kidney disease rather than acute obstructive injury. Uremic syndrome arises as a consequence of kidney dysfunction but is not a direct cause of acute kidney injury itself.