Which condition is an example of an intra-renal cause of AKI?

Ischemic acute tubular necrosis (ATN) is considered an intra-renal cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) because it directly affects the kidneys' structures, specifically the renal tubules. Intra-renal causes involve damage that occurs within the kidney tissue itself, often due to factors such as lack of blood flow (ischemia), toxins, or inflammation.

In the case of ischemic ATN, the renal tubules become damaged due to a decreased blood supply, which may occur in situations such as severe dehydration, sepsis, or shock. This lack of oxygen and nutrients leads to cell death and impaired kidney function. Recognizing intra-renal causes like ATN is crucial because they require specific management strategies aimed at addressing the underlying causes and supporting kidney recovery.

In contrast, other options like bladder obstruction represent post-renal causes, which occur from problems that happen after urine is produced, affecting urinary outflow. Cardiac failure is primarily a systemic cause affecting kidney perfusion rather than direct kidney injury. Renal artery stenosis leads to reduced blood flow to the kidneys and is categorized as a pre-renal cause of AKI, as it results in compensatory changes without direct damage to the kidney structure.