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Cardiology3 papers

Acquired cystic disease of transplanted kidney

Last edited: 4/22/2026

Overview

Acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACKD) predominantly affects patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on hemodialysis for more than four years, occurring in over 74% of such patients. Complications include bleeding, cyst infection, obstruction, lithiasis, and potential malignant transformation 1.

Diagnosis

  • Presence of renal cysts in ESRD patients on long-term hemodialysis 1.
  • Imaging studies (ultrasound, CT) essential for identifying cysts 1.
  • Elevated ipsilateral renal vein renin levels may indicate complications like perinephric bleeding 1.
  • Management

  • Control hypertension aggressively with antihypertensive drugs; surgical nephrectomy may be necessary in refractory cases 1.
  • Address specific complications: surgical intervention for bleeding, infection, or obstruction 1.
  • Monitor for signs of malignant transformation, though specific management guidelines are not detailed in the abstract 1.
  • Special Populations

  • No specific details provided regarding pregnancy, pediatrics, elderly, or comorbidities in the given abstracts 1.
  • Key Recommendations

  • Regular imaging surveillance for ESRD patients on long-term hemodialysis to detect ACKD complications (Evidence: Moderate) 1.
  • Aggressive medical management of hypertension associated with ACKD complications; consider nephrectomy if medical therapy fails (Evidence: Weak) 1.
  • Prompt surgical intervention for complications such as bleeding or obstruction to prevent further morbidity (Evidence: Expert opinion) 1.
  • References

    1 Bongu S, Faubert PF, Porush JG, Gulmi F. Uncontrolled hypertension and hyperreninemia after hemorrhage in a patient with end-stage renal disease and acquired renal cysts. Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN 1994. link

    Original source

    1. [1]
      Uncontrolled hypertension and hyperreninemia after hemorrhage in a patient with end-stage renal disease and acquired renal cysts.Bongu S, Faubert PF, Porush JG, Gulmi F Journal of the American Society of Nephrology : JASN (1994)

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