[Multicystic dysplasia of the kidney in the adult].

Two cases of multicystic renal dysplasia in the adult are presented and the pathogenic theories of the condition are reviewed. The more severe defects of development are those which more often remain clinically silent, until are detected, usually in a casual manner, in the adult age. Palpable mass or, more often, traditional radiology, densito-tomography and echography allow differentiation from other conditions such as polycystic kidney, tumors, tuberculosis, hydronephrosis. Anyhow, in the Author's opinion, surgical exploration is mandatory for definite diagnosis as well as for exeresis of the dysplastic mass.