Complex renal cyst in PKD

[angihart]

Hi, I am a 42 year old female with PKD and PLD.  My kidneys I thought were in pretty good shape only have 7 or 8 cysts on each one.  My liver has extensive cysts and is enlarged.  For the past year I have been getting progressively worsening symptons of upper right quadrant with nausea and ocasional vomiting.  I had an ultrasound last week and a compex renal cyst was found and I have now been booked for a CT scan this week.  Are complex cysts a normal part of this disease and if it is harmless, how are they likely to treat it.  Thank you in advance for your reply

[Anna Beattie, M.D.]

It is not uncommon to see complex cysts in PKD and it is often important to compare with previous imaging. THe causes of complex cysts are multiple and include infection, bleeding into the cyst, calcification and occasionally malignancy. It is important to determine what the cause is and further imaging such as with CT and MRI can be helpful. The treatment depends on the cause and it is possible that they will monitor the cyst with future imaging. Your nephrologist will work out the best course of action most likely after your CT scan.

[angihart]

Thank you for your reply and I was relieved to hear that complex cysts can go hand and hand with PKD.  The CT is on Friday and hopefully that will give the best insight as to why the cyst is there, the cause for the flank and upper right quadrant pain.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for good results and thank you once again.