Etymed
hypertensive nephrosclerosis
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by chronic high blood pressure leading to hardening and thickening of the kidney's arterioles and glomeruli
Clinical context
A 68-year-old male with a 20-year history of uncontrolled hypertension presents with progressive renal dysfunction and proteinuria. Physical examination reveals retinal changes including arteriovenous nicking. Laboratory studies show elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Kidney biopsy would reveal characteristic arteriolar wall thickening and glomerular sclerosis.
Mnemonic
Hypertensive nephrosclerosis = HARD kidneys (HARDening of arterioles and glomeruli)
These morphemes also unlock…
- hyper- — above; excessive
- tens/o — tension; pressure
- -ive — pertaining to
- nephr/o — kidney
- scler/o — hard
- -osis — abnormal condition