Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Use of Ultra-high Field MRI in Small Rodent Models of Polycystic Kidney Disease for In Vivo Phenotyping and Drug Monitoring
Published on: June 23, 2015
Polycystic kidney disease
Pamela J Fall1, L Michael Prisant
1Section of Hypertension and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Insights
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder causing cysts in the kidneys. Early diagnosis before age 30 is linked to poorer kidney survival, highlighting the need for timely intervention.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Genetics
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited systemic disorder.
- Characterized by multiple cyst development in kidneys and other organs.
- Often diagnosed after age 30, but earlier diagnosis correlates with worse renal survival.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the key aspects of polycystic kidney disease.
- To highlight diagnostic indicators and genetic underpinnings.
- To outline clinical manifestations and management strategies.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentation and diagnostic approaches.
- Identification of genetic mutations (PKD1, PKD2) associated with cyst formation.
- Analysis of common symptoms and complications.
Main Results:
- Radiographic procedures are primary diagnostic tools.
- Mutations in PKD1 or PKD2 genes cause cyst formation.
- Common symptoms include flank pain, hematuria, and hypertension.
Conclusions:
- PKD is a leading cause of end-stage renal disease.
- Blood pressure management is crucial, targeting <130/80 mm Hg.
- Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors are recommended treatments.
Abstract:
Polycystic kidney disease, an inherited systemic disorder, is characterized by the development of multiple cysts in the kidneys and other organs. Patients can present at any age, but more often come to clinical attention (unless there is a family history) after age 30. Patients who are diagnosed before age 30 have a worse renal survival. Although palpation of the abdomen occasionally provides a clue to the presence of polycystic kidney disease, radiographic procedures most often suggest the diagnosis. Mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes give rise to cyst formation. Flank pain, hematuria, polyuria, nephrolithiasis, urinary tract infections, and hypertension may be part of the syndrome of polycystic kidney disease. It is the fourth most common cause of end-stage renal disease. Blood pressure treatment goals are less than 130/80 mm Hg. Treatment should include the use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
More Related Videos
08:46Implementing Patch Clamp and Live Fluorescence Microscopy to Monitor Functional Properties of Freshly Isolated PKD Epithelium
Published on: September 1, 2015
12:47Spectral Karyotyping to Study Chromosome Abnormalities in Humans and Mice with Polycystic Kidney Disease
Published on: February 3, 2012
Related Concept Videos
Nephrons
External Anatomy of the Kidney
The kidneys are located in the retroperitoneal space on either side of the vertebral column, protected posteriorly by the 11th and 12th ribs. The right kidney sits slightly lower than the left owing to the presence of the liver...
Diabetic Nephropathy
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Kidney Structure
Kidney Transplant I: Introduction