Our Polycystic kidney disease Main Article provides a comprehensive look at the who, what, when and how of Polycystic kidney disease

Definition of Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease: One of the genetic disorders characterized by the development of innumerable cysts in the kidneys. These cysts are filled with fluid, and replace much of the mass of the kidneys. This reduces kidney function, leading to kidney failure.

There are two major genetic forms of polycystic kidney disease that are inherited differently and tend to strike at different ages and proceed at different speeds:

• Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease -- also known as adult polycystic kidney disease.

• Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease -- also known as juvenile polycystic kidney disease.

Polycystic kidney disease can be diagnosed by ultrasound imaging and by CAT or MRI scan. Treatment involves managing pain and treating infections, high blood pressure, and kidney failure.

Common Misspellings: polycystic kidney diease, polycystic kidney desease, polycistic kidney disease, polycistic kidney diease, polycistic kidney desease

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Creatinine Blood Test - Learn more about the creatinine blood test, a test that measures kidney function. Abnormal creatinine levels in the blood may indicate kidney disease.
• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI In Adults) - Learn about urinary tract infection causes, symptoms, signs, diagnosis and treatment of UTIs in men and women. Antibiotics may be used to treat recurrent bladder infections.
• CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.

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