Extrarénales

Extrarénales, in medical usage, describes anything that originates from, or occurs outside the kidneys. The term combines extra- meaning outside and renales related to the kidneys. It is used across disciplines such as anatomy, physiology, nephrology and oncology to distinguish processes or structures that are not located within renal tissue.

In physiology, extrarenal considerations are often discussed in relation to erythropoietin (EPO) production. EPO is mainly produced by renal peritubular cells in adults, but extrarenal sources exist, especially in the fetal liver. Under certain conditions, other tissues or tumors may produce EPO as well, a phenomenon known as paraneoplastic EPO production. Thus, extrarenal EPO can influence anemia management in specific clinical scenarios, though renal sources remain predominant.

Extrarénales also appears in anatomical and pathological contexts. For example, extrarenal pelvis describes a portion of the renal pelvis located outside the renal sinus, while extrarenal tumors or masses denote growths arising outside the kidney. The term is commonly used to describe findings that affect organs other than the kidneys or to distinguish lesions based on their location relative to the kidneys.

Clinical relevance lies in accurate localization and differential diagnosis. Distinguishing extrarenal from renal origins informs imaging interpretation, diagnostic workups, and treatment planning, including surgical approaches. Overall, extrarenales serves as a descriptive qualifier emphasizing that the kidney is not the primary site of origin or involvement in a given condition.