[Clinical picture of 11 patients with sponge kidney]

The authors review clinical data assembled in 11 patients with sponge kidneys followed up for prolonged periods. The disease is manifested by colics, haematuria and symptoms of bacterial inflammation of the urinary pathways. The basis of the diagnosis is excretory urography with typical changes in the renal pyramids: cystic dilatation of the collecting tubules, calcifications and concrements. The main functional disorder is a decline of the concentrating capacity of the kidneys. In some patients renal tubular acidosis of the distal type can be proved.