A kidney disorder involving damage to the renal tubule cells, resulting in acute kidney failure .

Acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is caused by ischemia of the kidneys (lack of oxygen to the tissues) or by exposure to materialsthat are poisonous to the kidney (nephrotoxic agents). The internal structures of the kidney, particularly the tissues of thekidney tubule, become damaged or destroyed. ATN is one of the most common structural changes associated with thedevelopment of acute renal failure .Risks for acute tubular necrosis include injury or trauma with resulting damage tothe muscles, recent major surgery, blood transfusion reaction, septic shock or other forms of shock, and severe hypotension (lowblood pressure) that lasts longer than 30 minutes. Any condition that causes a reduction in the amount of blood being pumpedby the heart may cause ATN. Liver disease and damage caused by diabetes mellitus (diabetic nephropathy) may predispose aperson to the condition. ATN can be caused by exposure to nephrotoxic agents such as aminoglycoside antibiotics, antifungalagents such as amphotericin, medications to prevent rejection of transplanted organs such as cyclosporine, dye used forradiographic studies, and other substances.

Prompt treatment of conditions that can result in decreased blood flow and/or decreased oxygenation of the kidneys may reducethe risk of acute tubular necrosis.Blood transfusions are crossmatched to reduce the risk of incompatibility reactions.Disorders such as diabetes, liver disorders, or cardiac disorders must be controlled as much as possible to reduce the risk ofATN.Exposure to medications that can be toxic to the kidney should be carefully monitored. Serum levels of the medication may bechecked regularly. Adequate hydration after radiocontrast dyes may allow their excretion and reduce the risk of kidney damage .