Acute kidney failure with lesion of renal cortical necrosis

This code signifies a sudden and severe loss of kidney function, specifically due to widespread death of tissue in the renal cortex. This necrosis impairs the kidney's ability to filter waste products from the blood, leading to an acute uremic state. It represents a critical and often irreversible form of acute kidney injury.

Use this code when documentation clearly states acute kidney failure in conjunction with renal cortical necrosis, often confirmed by biopsy or imaging. This diagnosis is typically made in cases of severe obstetric complications, sepsis, or other conditions leading to profound renal ischemia. Ensure the "acute" nature of the kidney failure is explicitly documented.

• Distinguish from other forms of acute kidney failure (e.g., acute tubular necrosis) where cortical necrosis is not specified.
• Always code the underlying cause of the renal cortical necrosis first, if known and documented.
• Review pathology reports or imaging studies for definitive diagnosis of cortical necrosis.