Polycystic kidney dysplasia

What it means

The presence of multiple cysts in both kidneys.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Most commonly, PKD arises as an inherited trait. Tremendous enlargement of both kidneys is characteristic of the autosomal dominant form of PKD, with up to hundreds or thousands of renal cysts. This term does not refer to the disease entity but rather to the finding of numerous cysts in both kidneys.

Rare diseases that can present with this18

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category

Also called: Polycystic kidney disease · Polycystic kidneys