Contributors: Casey Silver MD, Catherine Moore MD, Michael W. Winter MD
Synopsis
Radiation nephropathy is characterized by kidney dysfunction following external radiation with no histologic evidence of inflammation.
Clinical presentations include:
- Acute nephropathy – Abrupt onset after a 6- to 12-month latent period following radiation exposure.
- Chronic nephropathy – May follow an acute episode or may follow a more indolent course, presenting more than 12 months after radiation exposure.
- Hypertension – May occur from 18 months to years after radiation exposure.
- Asymptomatic proteinuria – Frequently intermittent, this may be the only sign.
Common signs and symptoms are severe anemia, hypertension, and increased serum creatinine. Symptoms may also include microscopic hematuria and edema.
Codes
ICD10CM:
N14.4 – Toxic nephropathy, not elsewhere classified
T66.XXXA – Radiation sickness, unspecified, initial encounter
SNOMEDCT:
236514003 – Toxic nephropathy
Differential Diagnosis & Pitfalls
To perform a comparison, select diagnoses from the classic differential
Last Reviewed:04/11/2019
Last Updated:04/08/2024