Renal tubular cells in acute tubular necrosis (ATN) show degenerative changes: enlarged cells with vacuolated cytoplasm, pyknotic or karyorrhectic nuclei, and sometimes sloughing in casts (muddy brown granular casts). The cells may have irregular borders and loss of typical cuboidal shape. ATN results from ischemia or toxins causing tubular epithelial injury. While a few renal tubular cells can be normal, increased numbers with these degenerative changes suggest ATN. Cytology is not primary for ATN diagnosis but can support clinical and laboratory findings. Distinguishing from urothelial carcinoma is important as both can show cellular atypia.

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Zambia

• Joseph Soko – 101 pts

• Visual Pathway Lesions
• Positive and Negative Symptoms
• Hallucinations and Delusions
• Antipsychotic Medications
• Emergency: Environmental Emergencies