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Localized cystic renal disease

Case contributed by Mohamed Saber
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Left loin pain

Patient Data

Age: 35 years
Gender: Male

Initial CT

ct

Non-contrast CT study shows an enlarged left kidney with segmental extensive cystic changes involve its middle and lower zones and sparing its upper pole. These cysts are variable in size as well as density. Some cysts elicit hyperdensity suggesting hemorrhagic cysts and others elicit fluid density consistent with simple cysts. Left proximal ureteric stone with backpressure changes is also noted.

The right kidney appears normal.

follow up after 3 years

ct

A Follow-up contrast-enhanced CT study reveals a stationary course regarding the renal cystic disease with no significant interval changes.No enhancement of these cysts in the post-contrast study. Normal however atrophic renal parenchyma is seen in between the cysts.

Left renal multiple fragmented stones associated with mild dilatation of the left renal collecting system that is abruptly terminated at the upper ureteric segment suggestive of a ureteric stricture possibly secondary to the previous stone.

Normal right kidney apart from few minute cortical cysts.

Case Discussion

Here is a case of localized cystic renal disease that is an uncommon, non-familial, non-progressive disease characterized by clusters of cysts within the normal renal parenchyma. In our case, it is discovered incidentally while assessing the patient's renal colic caused by a ureteric stone. It is stationary for three years denoting benignity of this condition.

Differential diagnosis includes; unilateral autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), multilocular cystic nephroma (MLCN), or renal cystic neoplasm. 

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