Cutaneous manifestations of acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common medical problem with a multitude of aetiologies. Prompt diagnosis and management is key in the prevention of complications. Cutaneous signs can often give diagnostic clues of underlying systemic diseases causing AKI. This review summarizes cutaneous findings of diseases causing AKI in adults. Knowledge of such cutaneous signs could lead to earlier diagnosis of underlying kidney disease and facilitate management strategies in a timely manner. Acute interstitial nephritis, polyarteritis nodosa, Kawasaki's disease, granulomatosis with polyangiitis (previously Wegener's granulomatosis), microscopic polyangiitis, eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (previously Churg-Strauss syndrome), Henoch-Schonlein purpura, cryoglobulinaemia, Sjogren's syndrome, systemic sclerosis, nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, dermatomyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, amyloidosis and cholesterol embolization syndrome were highlighted as diseases causing AKI with cutaneous manifestations.

Automated summary

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common medical problem and prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial in preventing complications. Cutaneous signs can provide diagnostic clues of underlying systemic diseases causing AKI.