Bilateral renal cortical necrosis in two patients with Neisseria meningitidis sepsis

Two patients who developed bilateral renal cortical necrosis as a consequence of Neisseria meningitidis infections are described: 1 patient had meningococcemia and the other had meningococcal meningitis. Both patients developed a Shwartzman-like reaction, disseminated intravascular coagulation and irreversible renal failure. Renal biopsy showed sclerosis of the majority of glomeruli; some glomeruli showed capillary congestion, thrombosis and an increased number of neutrophils; the intralobular arterioles showed thrombotic occlusions.