Polycystic kidney disease (PKD)
An inherited condition in which many fluid-filled cysts grow in the kidneys over years, enlarging them and slowly reducing their function. It often causes high blood pressure, back or side pain, and blood in the urine, and can eventually lead to kidney failure.
What it is
Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic condition in which numerous fluid-filled sacs (cysts) develop throughout both kidneys. The most common form, autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD), is inherited — a parent with the condition has a 50% chance of passing it to each child — and typically shows itself in adulthood. Over the years the cysts grow in number and size, gradually enlarging the kidneys and squeezing out healthy tissue, so kidney function slowly declines. Many people have no symptoms for a long time and are found through screening because of family history. When symptoms appear, they include high blood pressure (very common and often early), pain in the back or side, blood in the urine, repeated urinary or cyst infections, and kidney stones. Cysts can also form in the liver, and there is an increased risk of aneurysms in the brain's blood vessels. Diagnosis is usually by ultrasound or scan showing the characteristic cysts, supported by family history and sometimes genetic testing. There is no cure, but blood pressure control, plenty of fluids, treating complications, and in some cases a medication that slows cyst growth can protect kidney function; a proportion of people eventually need dialysis or a transplant.
Key lab markers
- Creatinine and eGFR — track kidney function, which declines slowly over years.
- Urea — rises as function falls.
- Urinalysis — may show blood, and protein as damage progresses.
- Blood pressure — high blood pressure is common and important to control.
- Imaging (ultrasound / CT / MRI) — the key diagnostic test, showing multiple cysts in both kidneys.
Symptoms
- High blood pressure (often the earliest sign)
- Pain in the back or side
- Blood in the urine
- Repeated urinary or cyst infections
- Kidney stones
- A feeling of fullness or a swollen abdomen as kidneys enlarge
- Headaches
- Often none for many years
Related lab panels
When to discuss with a doctor
Polycystic kidney disease is usually a long, slowly progressing condition, and much of its harm — especially the decline in kidney function — can be slowed by good care over time. If PKD runs in your family, it is worth discussing screening and, importantly, having your blood pressure checked, since controlling it is one of the most effective ways to protect the kidneys. See a doctor for persistent back or side pain, visible blood in the urine, signs of a kidney or cyst infection (pain with fever), or symptoms of a stone. A sudden severe headache — the worst of your life — needs emergency care because of the small risk of a brain aneurysm. Mediora.AI can surface the pattern of gradually rising creatinine and falling eGFR, and flag high blood pressure, that fits progressing PKD; the diagnosis rests on imaging and the ongoing care belongs with your kidney specialist.