Renal cysts

Question 1

Renal cysts

Answer 1

Fluid-filled sacs found in the kidney

Question 2

Simple Cysts

Answer 2

• Well-defined

- develop from the renal tubule epithelium

Question 3

Complex cysts

Answer 3

Complicated structure:

• thick walls
• septations
• calcification
• heterogeneous enhancement on imaging
• risk of malignancy

Question 4

Risk Factors

Answer 4

Increasing age
Smoking
Hypertension
Male

Genetic:

• polycystic kidney disease
• tuberous sclerosis
• Von Hippel-Lindau disease

Question 5

Polycystic Kidney Disease

Answer 5

• Autosomal dominant
• Mutations in the PKD1 or PKD2 genes
• also associated with Berry aneurysm formation
• eventually develop end-stage renal failure
• HTN

Question 6

Clinical Features

Answer 6

Normally asymptomatic

if ruptures or infected:

• flank pain
• haematuria

Question 7

Investigations

Answer 7

Bloods

USS

CT KUB with IV contrast - gold standard

Question 8

Management

Answer 8

Asymptomatic simple cysts - no treatment required

Symptomatic simple renal cysts:

• simple analgesia
• needle aspiration
• cyst deroofing