Introduction to Polycystic Kidney Disease

Other Cystic Kidney Diseases

Medullary Cystic Kidney Disease

Medullary cystic kidney disease (MCKD) is an autosomal dominant hereditary condition typically appearing in adults and is usually relatively mild. Cysts form only in the inner portion (medulla) of the kidney and both kidneys are shrunken in size. It is characterized by salt wasting and polyuria (frequent urination.

Familial Nephronophthisis

Familial nephronophthisis (NPH) is a recessive form of PKD which is more severe than MCKD, often leading to kidney failure in children. There are three types of this disorder - infantile, juvenile, and adolescent. Both kidneys are shrunken in size and renal cysts are situated at the border of the medulla and cortex of the kidney. It is characterized by growth retardation, polyuria (frequent urination), salt wasting, anemia, and progressive renal insufficiency.