Polycystic Kidney Disease Definition & Overview

Definition

The word polycystic means many cysts. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disease that causes many cysts to form in the kidneys.

Cysts, which are sacs filled with fluid, grow in both kidneys causing them to become enlarged. The number of cysts can range from a few to a great number. The size of the cysts can vary from too small to detect, to cysts larger than the kidney itself.

PKD can be painful and interfere with the normal functioning of the kidney resulting in infection, kidney stones , high blood pressure , and, eventually, kidney failure . PKD is a potentially serious condition that requires care from your doctor.

The Kidney

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Polycystic kidney disease?
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Polycystic kidney disease?.

Polycystic kidney disease? Adapted from the Department of Health and Human Services by
Cysts on the Kidneys: Polycystic Kidney Disease
on June 10, 2008 - 7:30am

Encylopedia entry for Cysts on the Kidneys: Polycystic Kidney Disease.

Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD; Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease;