Kidney CT Appearances

Polycystic Kidney Disease CT Findings

• Numerous renal cysts, varying in shape and size
• Renal enlargement
• Most cysts are water attenuated
• Very thin wall
• Reduction in sinus fat
• Expansion of the cortex
• Usually associated with decreased renal function
• Cyst count for PKD varies with age:
  • 15-39: at least 3 cysts (unilateral or bilateral)
  • 40-59: at least 2 cysts in each kidney
  • 60+: at least four cysts in each kidney

Other Information About Polycystic Kidney Disease

Etiology:

• PKD is a genetic disease

Epidemiology:

• Can be present at birth
• Symptoms typically start in the 4th and 5th decades of life

Presentation:

• Hypertension
• Flank pain
• Headaches
• Hematuria
• Frequent UTIs
• Abdominal and back pain
• Increased size of abdomen

Prognosis:

• Most patients with PKD are able to live normally with treatment
• 20% of patients with a rare form of PKD (autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD)) usually pass shortly after birth