Differences between PKD and Simple Kidney (Renal) Cyst

Polycystic Kidney Disease and Simple Kidney (Renal) Cyst are common kidney diseases. Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD) is a hereditary kidney disease that numerous cysts appear in kidney cortex and medulla. Usually, onset of this disease is after 40 years old. Kidney Cyst also can be called Simple Kidney Cyst. This disease is mainly found in adults, usually more in people who is more that 50 years old. One or more cysts can be found in one side or both sides of kidney. The cysts usually are on cortex and can change the shape of kidney. Besides the brief introductions of these diseases, what are other differences between them?
1. Pathogenesis
Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD) is an autosomal genetic disease. However, Simple Kidney Cyst can be congenital (formed in embryonic period) or caused by trauma, inflammation, and tumour.

2. Family history
For patients with Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD), their family member may have this disease. But for patients with Simple Kidney Cyst, there seldom have patients who have the similar disease with them.

3. Capsule contents
Inside Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD) is urine, while body fluid, which contains red blood cells, is in kidney cysts (like plasma).

4. Complications
Hematuria, high blood pressure and swelling are the common complications of Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD). But if not controlled well, the disease can develop into renal insufficiency and even renal failure threatening patients’ life. However, most simple kidney cyst itself has no obvious symptoms. But some patients may have obvious symptoms because of the increase of intraluminal pressure or infections, such as hematuria, proteinuria, backache and high blood pressure.

5. For Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD), the development of thylakoid can be controlled to relieve symptoms. However, for Simple Kidney Disease, the thylakoid may be controlled or shrink, but only the small ones can be eliminated.
Hope what mentioned above is helpful. If you want to know more about Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD) or Simple Kidney Cyst, you can consult us or send emails. We will do our best to help you.