Adult polycystic kidney disease

Case contributed by Varun Babu
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Ultrasound abdomen revealed numerous bilateral renal cysts.

Patient Data

Age: 30 years
Gender: Male

Loss of normal architecture of both kidneys which appear enlarged spanning over 15 cm. It is replaced by a numerous cortical and medullary cysts of varying sizes ranging from few millimeters up to <3 cm in size. Most of the cysts are clear. Some cysts appear T1 hyperintense, and some show T2 hypointense sediments within. No cysts seen in spleen, liver or pancreas. 

CT confirms the presence of dependent hyperdense bleed in some of the cysts. Few small gravel seen in right kidney. 

Case Discussion

When encountering a case of adult polycystic kidney disease, it is imperative to look for usual complications of cyst hemorrhage and stone formation. Apart from this, always look out for extrarenal involvement of other viscera. 

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