Chronic pyelonephritis leads to which of the following anatomical changes?

Chronic pyelonephritis is a progressive and long-standing kidney infection that can result in a variety of anatomical changes within the renal system. The condition is characterized by recurring inflammation of the renal pelvis and interstitial tissue, leading to scarring and damage over time.

When chronic pyelonephritis occurs, one of the significant anatomical changes is the formation of deformed calyces. The repeated episodes of inflammation and subsequent healing processes can cause the calyces, which are the structures in the kidney that collect urine from the renal pyramids and funnel it into the renal pelvis, to take on a distorted shape. These deformations occur due to the scarring of the kidney tissue, which can lead to a loss of normal kidney architecture and function. As the disease progresses, the calyces may become dilated, infolded, or otherwise misshapen due to chronic irritation and the body’s attempts to heal the affected areas.

Understanding this mechanism clarifies why the formation of deformed calyces is a direct consequence of chronic pyelonephritis. This anatomical change can have significant implications for kidney function and may contribute to complications in patients suffering from this chronic condition.