Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

A Large Animal Model for Acute Kidney Injury by Temporary Bilateral Renal Artery Occlusion
Published on: February 2, 2021
Biopsy-Proven Acute Tubular Necrosis due to Vancomycin Toxicity
Farheen Shah-Khan1, Marc H Scheetz, Cybele Ghossein
1Division of Nephrology, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Vancomycin (VAN) can cause acute kidney injury (AKI). This report details a rare case of acute tubular necrosis (ATN) solely caused by VAN, confirmed by biopsy.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pharmacology
- Pathology
Background:
- Vancomycin (VAN) has a history of association with kidney injury since the 1950s.
- Early VAN-induced kidney injury was attributed to preparation impurities.
- Modern VAN use is linked to acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) or potentiation of other nephrotoxins.
Observation:
- A case of acute kidney injury (AKI) was observed.
- The patient presented with symptoms suggestive of nephrotoxicity.
- Kidney biopsy was performed for definitive diagnosis.
Findings:
- The biopsy confirmed acute tubular necrosis (ATN).
- Vancomycin was identified as the sole causative agent for the ATN.
- This represents a rare instance of VAN-induced ATN without other contributing factors.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for Vancomycin to cause severe acute tubular necrosis.
- Clinicians should consider VAN as a sole cause of ATN, even with purified preparations.
- Further research may elucidate mechanisms of VAN-induced ATN and inform preventative strategies.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Acute Kidney Injury II: Pathophysiology
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
Acute Kidney Injury I: Introduction

