Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Individuals with early autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) often exhibit no symptoms. However, multiple cysts can usually be detected by age 20 and can be detected by noninvasive ultrasound imaging, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The diagnosis of ADPKD is strengthened by the presence of a family history of the disease or associated symptoms and can be definitive after genetic analysis of blood samples.