Acquired cystic disease of the kidneys: a hazard of long-term intermittent maintenance haemodialysis.

TLDR

Acquired cystic disease of the kidneys can lead to haemorrhage and tumour formation. The study examined 30 patients on long‑term intermittent maintenance haemodialysis through necropsy between 1968 and 1976. Fourteen of 30 patients developed bilateral renal cysts, six developed tumours (five multiple), and one died of metastatic carcinoma; early detection is advised in haemodialysis patients presenting with haematuria or enlarging kidneys.

Abstract

In the period 1968-76, necropsies were carried out on 30 patients who had been treated by long-term intermittent maintenance haemodialysis. Fourteen of these patients developed bilateral cystic disease of the kidney. Clinical, pathological, and radiological investigation of these patients when they first presented did not reveal any evidence of renal cystic change. The main complications of this condition are haemorrhage and tumour formation. Six patients developed renal tumours, and in five cases these were multiple. The histological appearance of these neoplasms gave no indication as to whether they would behave in an aggressive manner. One patient died of metastatic carcinomatosis from a renal primary. The condition of acquired cystic disease of the kidney should be suspected if patients on maintenance haemodialysis suffer from recurrent haematuria or are found to have enlarging kidneys.