ACQUIRED CYSTIC-DISEASE OF THE KIDNEY IN PATIENTS ON MAINTENANCE HEMODIALYSIS

Background. Acquired cystic disease of the kidney is common in patients on maintenance haemodialysis and is in association with renal neoplasm. Methods. With real time sonography 39 patients with endstage renal failure on haemodialysis were examined. Patients with polycystic kidney disease were excluded. We analysed three groups of patients: patients who were on haemodialysis up to one year, from one to nine years and over nine years. We established the presence of acquired cystic disease of the kidney and the appearances were divided into three grades: grade 0, no cysts; grade 1, less than 10 cysts in both kidneys; grade 2, more than 10 cysts. We also established the volume of the kidneys and the presence of solid lesions (renal neoplasm). Results. Twentythree (59%) patients had acquired cystic disease of the kidney: 2 (33%) patients who were on haemodialysis up to one year, 16 (57%) patients who were on haemodialysis from one to nine years and 5 (100%) patients who were on haemodialysis over nine years. No solid lesions were found. We observed an enlargement of kidney volume in patients with acquired cystic disease of the kidney. Conclusions. Acquired cystic disease of the kidney was common in patients on haemodialysis but we did not find renal neoplasm.