What it is
Each child of an affected parent has a 1 in 2 chance of inheriting it. Cysts can also form in the liver, and there is a higher risk of brain aneurysms.
Treatment focuses on controlling blood pressure, managing pain and protecting kidney function. Some people are offered a medicine that slows cyst growth, and some eventually need dialysis or a transplant.
Common signs
- High blood pressure
- Pain in the side or back
- Blood in the urine
- Kidney stones and urinary infections
How it is usually diagnosed
- Kidney ultrasound
- Blood and urine tests of kidney function (creatinine, eGFR)
- MRI to measure kidney size
- Genetic testing in some families
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- eGFR and creatinine results over time
- Blood pressure readings
- Ultrasound and MRI reports
- Family history and any genetic test results
Questions to ask your doctor
- How quickly is my kidney function changing?
- Am I suitable for treatment that slows cyst growth?
- Should my children or relatives be checked?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A sudden, extremely severe headache, which can be a bleeding brain aneurysm: call 112
- Fever with severe side pain
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.