Q61: Cystic kidney disease

Q61.2: Polycystic kidney, autosomal dominant

There are normally 2 kidneys in the body. They filter blood and create urine. They thus help to detoxify the body. Furthermore, the kidneys regulate the blood pressure and salt content in the blood, among other things.

If you have cavities/holes in the kidneys, your kidneys may be larger than normal. The cavities may displace normal renal tissue. It is possible for the kidneys to stop working properly as a result.

You can have pain in the upper abdomen and in the back or high blood pressure. Cavities may also form in other organs, such as the liver. Blood vessels in the brain may also be dilated, causing bleeding in the brain.

The disease is hereditary. Other family members may also be affected.