Which type of cellular cast is often seen during acute nephron injury?

Granular casts are typically associated with acute nephron injury, reflecting the breakdown of renal tubular cells. During an acute injury, such as acute tubular necrosis, the damaged epithelial cells of the renal tubules slough off and combine with the protein found in the tubular lumen. This process results in the formation of granular casts, which appear as coarse or fine granules under the microscope.

Granular casts indicate significant renal injury and are often seen in conditions that involve ischemia or toxicity to the renal tubules. Their presence can help in diagnosing various acute renal pathologies, signaling that tubular function is compromised. Understanding the context of granular casts and their association with acute renal injury is crucial for interpreting urinalysis results and assessing kidney health.