Polycystic Kidney Disease versus Multiple Renal Cysts
Disease description:
My friend recently had a physical examination and was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. I had previously heard of multiple renal cysts. I would like to ask, what is the difference between polycystic kidney disease and multiple renal cysts?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yang Ziqi
The differences between polycystic kidney disease and multiple renal cysts are mainly reflected in the following aspects:
1. **Etiology**: Polycystic kidney disease is associated with gene mutations and belongs to hereditary kidney diseases; the causes of multiple renal cysts are not yet fully understood, but may be related to increased renal tubular diverticula.
2. **Clinical manifestations**: In addition to renal cysts, polycystic kidney disease may present with cysts in other organs, such as hepatic cysts, and is often accompanied by symptoms such as elevated blood pressure and increased urinary protein. Multiple renal cysts mainly manifest as multiple cysts within the kidneys and are usually not associated with cysts in other organs.
3. **Prognosis**: Polycystic kidney disease has a poorer prognosis and tends to progress to uremia; in contrast, multiple renal cysts have a relatively better prognosis and are less likely to lead to severe complications.
