Acquired Cystic Disease
| Overview |
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- Acquired Cystic Disease refers to the development of multiple renal cysts in those under long-term treatment with dialysis.
| Morphology |
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- Multiple fluid-filled cysts of diameters ranging form 0.5 to 2cm can be found in the renal medulla and cortex. Frequently calcium oxalate renal stones can be found in the cysts.
| Pathogenesis |
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- It is thought that blockage of nephrons by calculi cause cystic dilations of the tubule above the point of obstruction.
| Clinical Consequences |
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- Cysts are usually asymptomatic but may cause hematuria. It is thought that the increased risk of renal cell carcinoma is dialysis patients may be due to neoplastic transformation of tubular epithelial cells in these acquired cysts.