What is cortical loss of the kidney?

Cortical loss of the kidney refers to the degeneration or atrophy of the renal cortex, which is the outer layer of the kidney responsible for filtering blood and producing urine. This condition can result from various factors, including chronic kidney disease, ischemia, or inflammation. Cortical loss may lead to impaired kidney function and can be detected through imaging studies or kidney biopsies. It is often a sign of underlying renal pathology that requires further evaluation and management.