Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

This autosomal dominant disorder usually appears in middle life. The most common findings are proteinuria, abdominal pain and palpable kidneys, followed by hematuria, hypertension, pyuria, uremia and calculi. In 15% of patients, death is due to cerebral aneurysm. Family counseling and the detection of "at risk" family members are important elements of management. Statistically, half of the offspring of one affected parent will have the disease.