People with Polycystic Kidney Disease have a higher risk of aneurysm,
especially those younger than 50 years old. About 4%~8% of patients with this
disease have small aneurysms in the blood vessels in the brain, and rarely in
the aorta (the large artery from the heart feeding other blood vessels).
Definition
An aneurysm is an abnormal swelling or bulge in the wall of a blood vessel,
such as an artery. It starts as a weak spot in the wall of blood vessel wall,
which balloons out of shape over time by the force of the pumping blood. They
may develop anywhere throughout the circulatory system, but most commonly occur
at the point where a blood vessels branches, as the structure of 'fork' is more
vulnerable.
Aneurysm formation in PKD
People with PKD may develop an aneurysm in the brain, and this is the most
severe complication. For those who have a family history of this condition or if
they have uncontrolled high blood pressure, they have a higher risk of
developing this serious condition.
There may have no symptoms until it is either very large or it ruptures.
Symptoms include severe headache with rapid onset, neck pain and stiffness,
increasing drowsiness, paralysis, seizures, impaired speech and visual
problems.
Aneurysms can rupture, resulting in bleeding into the brain. Without quick
treatment, irreversible damage to brain or death can be caused.
Therefore, patients with PKD are suggested to take prompt treatment for the
disease and prevent the complications of PKD. Other than a symptomatic therapy,
affected persons had better seek a standard treatment to shrink the cysts and
restore the kidney function. This is currently the most thorough method for this
disease.
Shijiazhuang Kidney Disease Hospital is one of the largest kidney disease
specialized hospital all over the world. We have 26 years' experience and
expertise in treating PKD, so patients have the highest chance of successful
treatment.
