Reflux nephropathy: a clinico-pathological study of 16 cases.

The pathologic features of 16 nephrectomy specimens obtained from patients with a radiological diagnosis of reflux nephropathy were analyzed. Chronic pyelonephritis was diagnosed in 7 cases, renal dysplasia in 5 and segmental atrophy in 4. Clear correlations between pathologic pictures and pathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of renal lesions in kidneys with reflux are difficult to establish. These results show, however, that 'reflux nephropathy' is a broad term, which encompasses both congenital and acquired renal lesions.