Pathology of the Urinary System

Question 1

Renal/kidney failure

Answer 1

The inability of one or both of the kidneys to perform their functions. The body cannot replace damaged nephrons, and when too many nephrons have been destroyed, the result is kidney failure.

Question 2

Azotemia

Answer 2

An elevation of the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) caused by a lack of blood flow to each kidney. Uremia can occur when this excess becomes toxic.

Question 3

Uremia/uremic poisoning

Answer 3

A toxic condition resulting from renal failure in which kidney function is compromised and urea and other waste products normally secreted in the urine are retained in the blood

Question 4

Acute renal failure (ARF)

Answer 4

Sudden onset and is characterized by uremia. It can be fatal if not reversed promptly. This condition can be caused by the kidneys not receiving enough blood to filter due to dehydration or a sudden drop in blood volume or blood pressure from injury, burns, or a severe infection.

Question 5

Chronic kidney disease (CKD)/chronic renal disease/kidney failure

Answer 5

The progressive loss of renal function over months or years. This common condition, which can be life-threatening, may result from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease.

Question 6

End-stage renal disease (ESRD)

Answer 6

The final stage of chronic kidney disease, and this condition is fatal unless the functions of the failed kidneys are replaced by dialysis, or with a successful kidney transplant.

Question 7

Nephrotic syndrome/nephrosis

Answer 7

A group of conditions in which excessive amounts of protein are lost through the urine. This condition, which is usually caused by damage to the glomeruli, results in abnormally low levels of protein in the blood.

Question 8

Edema

Answer 8

Excessive fluid accumulation in body tissues that can be symptomatic of nephrotic syndrome and other kidney diseases. This swelling can be in the area around the eyes, the abdomen, or the legs and feet.

Question 9

Hyperproteinuria

Answer 9

The presence of abnormally high concentrations of protein in the urine.

Question 10

Hypoproteinuria

Answer 10

The presence of abnormally low concentrations of protein in the blood.

Question 11

Hydronephrosis

Answer 11

The dilation of one or both kidneys. This condition can be caused by problems associated with the backing up of urine due to an obstruction such as a nephrolith (kidney stone) or a stricture (narrowing) in the ureter.

Question 12

Nephritis

Answer 12

An inflammation of the kidney(s). The most common causes of nephritis are toxins, infection, or an autoimmune disease.

Question 13

Glomerulonephritis

Answer 13

A type of nephritis caused by inflammation of the glomeruli that causes red blood cells and proteins to leak into the urine

Question 14

Nephroptosis (“floating kidney”)

Answer 14

The prolapse, or dropping down, of a kidney into the pelvic area when the patient stands

Question 15

Nephropyosis/pyonephrosis

Answer 15

Suppuration (formation of discharge or pus) of the kidney.

Question 16

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)

Answer 16

A genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. These cysts, which slowly replace much of the mass of the kidney, reduce the kidney function, which eventually leads to kidney failure.

Question 17

Colic

Answer 17

Spasms of pain in the abdomen.

Question 18

Renal colic

Answer 18

An acute pain in the kidney area that is caused by blockage during the passage of a nephrolith.

Question 19

Wilms tumor

Answer 19

A rare type of malignant tumor of the kidney that occurs in young children. There is a high cure rate for this condition when treated promptly.

Question 20

Nephrolithiasis

Answer 20

Describes the presence of stones in the kidney. As these stones travel with the flow of urine, they are named for the location where they become lodged.

Question 21

Hydroureter

Answer 21

The distention of the ureter with urine that cannot flow because the ureter is blocked. Hydroureter always accompanies hydronephrosis, discussed earlier.

Question 22

Ureterectasis

Answer 22

The distention of a ureter due to hydroureter or congenital abnormalities.

Question 23

Ureterorrhagia

Answer 23

The discharge of blood from the ureter.

Question 24

Cystalgia/cystodynia

Answer 24

Pain in the bladder

Question 25

Cystocele/prolapsed bladder

Answer 25

A hernia of the bladder through the vaginal wall. This sometimes occurs as a result of pregnancy or childbirth.

Question 26

Interstitial cystitis

Answer 26

A chronic inflammation within the walls of the bladder. The symptoms of this condition are similar to those of cystitis; however, they do not respond to traditional treatment.

Question 27

Vesicoureteral reflux

Answer 27

The backward flow of urine into the ureters from the bladder. It is most common in infants and children.

Question 28

Vesicovaginal fistula

Answer 28

An abnormal opening between the bladder and vagina that allows constant involuntary flow of urine from the bladder into the vagina. A vesicovaginal fistula may be caused by prolonged labor during childbirth or surgery such as a hysterectomy.

Question 29

Neurogenic bladder

Answer 29

A urinary problem caused by interference with the normal nerve pathways associated with urination. Normal urinary function depends on nerves to sense when the bladder is full and to control the muscles that either retain the urine or allow the bladder to empty. Depending on the type of neurological disorder causing the problem, the bladder may empty spontaneously, resulting in incontinence, which is discussed in a later section. In contrast, the problem can prevent the bladder from emptying at all or from emptying completely. This can result in urinary retention with overflow leakage. Some of the causes of this condition are a tumor of the nervous system, trauma, neuropathy, or an inflammatory condition such as multiple sclerosis.

Question 30

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)/ benign prostatic hypertrophy/ enlarged prostate

Answer 30

An enlargement of the prostate gland that most often occurs in men older than age 50. This condition can make urination difficult and causes other urinary-tract problems for men.

Question 31

Prostatism

Answer 31

A disorder resulting from the compression or obstruction of the urethra due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. This can produce difficulties with urination, including urinary retention.

Question 32

Prostate cancer

Answer 32

One of the most common cancers among men. The disease can grow slowly with no symptoms, or it can grow aggressively and spread throughout the body.

Question 33

Prostatitis

Answer 33

A group of disorders characterized by the inflammation of the prostate gland.

Question 34

Epispadias

Answer 34

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. In the male with epispadias, the urethral opening is located on the upper surface of the penis. In the female with epispadias, the urethral opening is in the region of the clitoris.

Question 35

Hypospadias

Answer 35

A congenital abnormality of the urethral opening. In the male with hypospadias, the urethral opening is on the ventral surface (underside) of the penis. In the female with hypospadias, the urethra opens into the vagina.

Question 36

Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Answer 36

Usually begins in the bladder; however, such an infection can affect all parts of the urinary system. These common infections are caused by bacteria, most often E. coli, entering the urinary system through the urethra. They occur more frequently in women because the urethra is short and located near the opening to the rectum.

Question 37

Cystitis

Answer 37

Inflammation of the bladder.

Question 38

Pyelonephritis

Answer 38

An inflammation of both the renal pelvis and kidney. This is usually caused by a bacterial infection that has spread upward from the bladder.

Question 39

Urethritis

Answer 39

Inflammation of the urethra.

Question 40

Anuria

Answer 40

The absence of urine formation by the kidneys. This condition is often caused by kidney failure or a urinary tract obstruction.

Question 41

Diuresis

Answer 41

The increased output of urine.

Question 42

Dysuria

Answer 42

Difficult or painful urination. This condition is frequently associated with urinary tract infections.

Question 43

Enuresis

Answer 43

The involuntary discharge of urine.

Question 44

Nocturnal enuresis (“bed-wetting”)

Answer 44

Urinary incontinence during sleep.

Question 45

Nocturia

Answer 45

Frequent and excessive urination during the night.

Question 46

Oliguria

Answer 46

Scanty urination. This can be caused by dehydration, renal failure, or a urinary tract obstruction.

Question 47

Polyuria

Answer 47

Excessive urination, can be a symptom of diabetes.

Question 48

Urinary hesitancy/bashful bladder syndrome

Answer 48

Difficulty in starting a urinary stream. This condition is most common in older men with enlarged prostate glands. In younger people, the inability to urinate when another person is present is known as bashful bladder syndrome.

Question 49

Urinary retention/ischuria

Answer 49

The inability to completely empty the bladder when attempting to urinate. This condition is also more common in men and is frequently associated with an enlarged prostate gland.