Polycystic Kidney Disease

Question 1

Describe Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease

Answer 1

• Autosomal dominant
• Most common inherited nephropathy
• Cysts develop anywhere in kidney, compress surrounding parenchyma and impair renal function
• Cysts can also develop in Liver

Question 2

When does Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease present?

List 4 possible complications

Answer 2

30s-40s (So likely to have already had kids and passed it on)

• Hypertension (-> MI, Cerebral haemorrhage, CKD)
• Acute loin pain
• Haematuria
• Bilateral palpable kidneys

(Berry aneurysms can form in brain, which can burst)

Question 3

Describe the Macroscopic appearance of the kidneys and cysts

(Haemorrhage into cysts can occur-> Haematuria)

Answer 3

• Large kidneys

- Yellow fluid filled cysts replacing parenchyma

Question 4

Describe the microscopic appearance of the cysts

Answer 4

Lined by cuboidal epithelium

Question 5

How can Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease be diagnosed?

Answer 5

USS or CT scan shows bilateral enlarged kidneys with multiple cysts

Question 6

How can Adult Polycystic Kidney Disease be treated?

Answer 6

• Control of BP, Salt intake etc.

- Dialysis and renal transplant if end-stage renal failure develops