[Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in infancy]

We report on a 6 months old infant with suddenly developed severe arterial hypertension caused by polycystic kidneys. Examinations of the relatives revealed similar changes of the kidneys in 4 adults and 5 children. They were all diagnosed to have autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Excretory kidney function of all patients is normal; however, blood pressure was raised in the adults. We would like to stress the importance of family screening in this disease, in particular with regard to possible early diagnosis and treatment of arterial hypertension. The long-term prognosis of the early manifestation of the dominantly inherited cystic kidney disease is uncertain.