Table 2.

Differential diagnosis considerations for renal cortical necrosis

Diagnosis	Notes
Renal cortical necrosis	CT scans show the lack of renal cortical enhancement apart from a thin rim of viable tissue in the subcapsular, juxtamedullary areas, and in the medulla. Renal arteries are patent.
Renal arterial occlusion	CT scan in the arterial phase shows occlusion of renal arteries and nephrographic defects in the peripheral renal cortex.
Renal arterial thromboembolism	CT scan shows wedge-shaped defects in the renal cortex.
Renal tubular necrosis	Kidneys have a mottled appearance containing multiple areas of high-density striations ("striated nephrogram").