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Allergy & Immunology6 papers

Acquired renal cystic disease

Last edited: 4/15/2026

Overview

Acquired renal cystic disease (ARCD) refers to the development of renal cysts in kidneys that were previously normal, often seen in chronic kidney disease and dialysis patients, distinct from congenital cystic diseases like autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). 2

Diagnosis

  • Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT, MRI) essential for identifying cysts.
  • Modified Bosniak classification system can stratify risk in pediatric patients, though validation is limited 1.
  • Pathology review crucial for definitive diagnosis, distinguishing benign from malignant conditions 1.
  • Management

  • No specific pharmacological treatment for ARCD; management focuses on underlying cause and complications.
  • Control of hypertension and anemia common in chronic kidney disease management 2.
  • Regular monitoring for progression to chronic kidney disease or complications like cyst infections 2.
  • Special Populations

  • Pediatrics: Modified Bosniak classification aids in risk stratification for cystic renal masses 1.
  • Chronic Kidney Disease: ARCD often complicates existing chronic kidney disease, necessitating close monitoring 2.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Utilize imaging techniques (ultrasound, CT, MRI) for diagnosis and risk stratification of renal cystic masses, particularly in pediatric patients 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Regular follow-up and management of underlying conditions (e.g., hypertension, anemia) are crucial in patients with acquired renal cystic disease 2 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • Pathological examination remains essential for definitive diagnosis and differentiation from malignant conditions 1 (Evidence: Moderate).
  • References

    1 Peard L, Gargollo P, Grant C, Strine A, De Loof M, Sinatti C et al.. Validation of the modified Bosniak classification system to risk stratify pediatric cystic renal masses: An international, multi-site study from the pediatric urologic oncology working group of the societies for pediatric urology. Journal of pediatric urology 2022. link 2 Raina R, Chakraborty R, Sethi SK, Kumar D, Gibson K, Bergmann C. Diagnosis and Management of Renal Cystic Disease of the Newborn: Core Curriculum 2021. American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation 2021. link 3 Raychowdhury MK, McLaughlin M, Ramos AJ, Montalbetti N, Bouley R, Ausiello DA et al.. Characterization of single channel currents from primary cilia of renal epithelial cells. The Journal of biological chemistry 2005. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
    2. [2]
      Diagnosis and Management of Renal Cystic Disease of the Newborn: Core Curriculum 2021.Raina R, Chakraborty R, Sethi SK, Kumar D, Gibson K, Bergmann C American journal of kidney diseases : the official journal of the National Kidney Foundation (2021)
    3. [3]
      Characterization of single channel currents from primary cilia of renal epithelial cells.Raychowdhury MK, McLaughlin M, Ramos AJ, Montalbetti N, Bouley R, Ausiello DA et al. The Journal of biological chemistry (2005)

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