Etymed
nephrosclerosis
Definition
A pathological condition characterized by the hardening and scarring of kidney tissue, often resulting in reduced kidney function
Clinical context
A 65-year-old hypertensive patient presents with progressive decline in renal function over several years. Physical examination reveals bilateral kidney shrinkage on imaging, and laboratory studies show elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. The patient's long-standing uncontrolled hypertension has led to progressive nephrosclerosis with significant renal parenchymal damage.
Mnemonic
Nephrosclerosis = NERVE damage in the kidney - 'N' for nephrosclerosis, 'E' for elderly, 'R' for renal, 'V' for vascular, 'E' for end-stage, 'S' for sclerosis