Acquired cystic disease of kidney in chronic dialysis patients.

Eight cases of acquired cystic disease of the kidney (ACDK) associated with chronic renal failure and hemodialysis are described. No patient had a family history or clinical evidence of congenital adult polycystic kidney disease (CAPKD). Glomerulonephritis was the cause of renal failure in 6, and pyelonephritis in 2. Massive renal and perirenal hemorrhage necessitated 3 nephrectomies in 2 patients. Single kidney weights did not exceed 280 Gm., a major feature in the distinction of ACDK from CAPKD. Morphologically, in addition to the usual stigmata of end-stage kidneys, 40 to 80 per cent of the renal parenchyma was replaced by small cysts. Continuity of cysts with tubules was established by nephron dissection.