What type of acute kidney injury (AKI) is caused by kidney stones?

The type of acute kidney injury caused by kidney stones is classified as postrenal. This classification is based on the mechanism of the injury, where there is an obstruction in the urinary tract that occurs after the kidneys. Kidney stones can obstruct the ureters, which results in a buildup of urine in the kidneys. This increased pressure can ultimately lead to kidney damage and impaired function, which characterizes postrenal acute kidney injury.

In contrast, prerenal acute kidney injury typically arises from factors that decrease blood flow to the kidneys, such as dehydration or heart failure, and intrarenal acute kidney injury involves direct damage to kidney tissue, often due to toxins or ischemia. Chronic injury, on the other hand, refers to long-term kidney damage rather than acute events. Thus, understanding the obstruction caused by kidney stones leading to postrenal acute kidney injury is crucial for proper diagnosis and management.