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Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
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Subject: Re: Medullary Sponge Kidney Topic Area: Kidney/Urinary StonesPosted by Sara on May 19, 1999 at 12:18:57I have just recently been diagnosed with Medullary Sponge Kidney and was wondering if you could explain this condition to me in terms that I can understand. Although my doctor was thorough in his explanations, I still went home uncertain of some of the medical terms he used, and finding it hard to explain my condition to others concerned in my family. Thanks for you help.
Posted by HFHS M.D.-BE on May 24, 1999 at 12:49:29
= Dear Sara, Medullary Sponge Kidney(MSK)is an adult disease, which is characterized by dilation(swelling)of collecting ducts in the kidneys. The collecting ducts are the part of the kidney, where the filtered urine will eventually pass through before being excreted into the pelvis of the kidney and out to the bladder. There could be numerous cysts(contained pouch of fluid)associated with these ducts. A significant number of the patients with MSK are asymptomatic, and their condition is never diagnosed. The most common symptom associated with MSK is renal (kidney) colic(50 to 60 %)followed by urinary tract infection(20 to 33 %)and bloody urine(10 to 18 %). About 1/3 to 1/2 of patients with MSK have high blood calcium. Less than 10% of asymptomatic patients may have a poor long term outcome due to kidney stones, kidney infections, and kidney failure. However, with the appropriate treatment for increased calcium and kidney stones, as well as prevention of infections and kidney failure, this number is reduced. You need to have close follow up with your doctors if you have any of the conditions described. This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568). Sincerely,
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