Why does the volume of the kidney increase in pressure atrophy?
Disease description:
I have encountered a condition in my own body where the volume of the kidney increases due to compressive atrophy. I would like to ask here why the volume of the kidney increases in cases of compressive atrophy?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Causes of Renal Parenchymal Atrophy Due to Pressure:
1. Compensatory Response: When part of the nephrons is damaged, healthy nephrons may attempt to increase their filtration activity to compensate for the lost function. This compensatory hyperplasia can lead to a temporary increase in the volume of the renal parenchyma.
2. Inflammatory Response: In the early stages of kidney disease, there may be an inflammatory response, attracting the accumulation of inflammatory cells, which can cause a temporary increase in kidney volume.
3. Scar Formation: Long-term pressure or obstruction can lead to kidney tissue damage, which may progress to fibrosis or scar formation. Although overall kidney function declines, the volume of the scar tissue itself may be greater than that of normal renal parenchyma.
4. Fluid Accumulation: In certain conditions, such as hydronephrosis, urine cannot be properly drained, potentially leading to the accumulation of large amounts of urine in the renal calyces and renal pelvis, thereby increasing the overall volume of the kidney.
