Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A CT scan produces clear pictures of bones, muscles, tissue, organs, blood vessels and the brain that a regular X-ray cannot show.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Lifelong management to preserve your kidney health and prevent renal failure
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) results in fluid-filled cysts that form in the kidneys. These growths can crowd normal tissue and cause loss of kidney function.
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inheritable condition. There are two types of PKD:
Autosomal Dominant
This type of PKD, which accounts for 90 percent of cases, usually develops in adulthood. If one of your parents has this condition, you have a 50 percent chance of developing it.
Autosomal Recessive
This rare form of PKD begins early in life, sometimes before birth.
Symptoms
You can have polycystic kidney disease for years before developing any symptoms. Symptoms typically develop in your 30s or 40s. Symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney stones
- Pain in your back or side
- Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections
- Swollen abdomen
PKD can cause kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). However, many people with PKD never develop kidney failure, and a variety of lifestyle changes and treatment options can prevent or delay the loss of kidney function.
Polycystic kidney disease can also cause cysts in other parts of your body, including your liver, spleen and pancreas. About 20 percent of people with polycystic kidney disease also have mitral valve prolapse (leaky heart valve).
Overview
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inheritable condition. There are two types of PKD:
Autosomal Dominant
This type of PKD, which accounts for 90 percent of cases, usually develops in adulthood. If one of your parents has this condition, you have a 50 percent chance of developing it.
Autosomal Recessive
This rare form of PKD begins early in life, sometimes before birth.
Symptoms
You can have polycystic kidney disease for years before developing any symptoms. Symptoms typically develop in your 30s or 40s. Symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney stones
- Pain in your back or side
- Repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections
- Swollen abdomen
PKD can cause kidney failure (end-stage renal disease). However, many people with PKD never develop kidney failure, and a variety of lifestyle changes and treatment options can prevent or delay the loss of kidney function.
Polycystic kidney disease can also cause cysts in other parts of your body, including your liver, spleen and pancreas. About 20 percent of people with polycystic kidney disease also have mitral valve prolapse (leaky heart valve).
IU Health physicians use imaging studies, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose and monitor polycystic kidney disease.
Diagnosis
IU Health physicians use imaging studies, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to diagnose and monitor polycystic kidney disease.
Although there is no cure for the PKD, treatment for this condition centers on controlling blood pressure and managing symptoms in order to preserve your kidney function. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes
A low-sodium diet can reduce stress on your kidneys. Exercise and a low-fat diet can help control your blood pressure. IU Health dietitians work with you to develop a nutrition plan that is gentle for your kidneys and good for your overall health. You may need to follow a specific diet based on your needs.
Medicine
Research shows that blood pressure medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) help limit kidney damage while also lowering your risk for heart disease. You may need to take blood pressure medicines even if your blood pressure is normal.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for the PKD, treatment for this condition centers on controlling blood pressure and managing symptoms in order to preserve your kidney function. Treatment options include:
Lifestyle changes
A low-sodium diet can reduce stress on your kidneys. Exercise and a low-fat diet can help control your blood pressure. IU Health dietitians work with you to develop a nutrition plan that is gentle for your kidneys and good for your overall health. You may need to follow a specific diet based on your needs.
Medicine
Research shows that blood pressure medicines called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) help limit kidney damage while also lowering your risk for heart disease. You may need to take blood pressure medicines even if your blood pressure is normal.
Apr 28
“Dialysis is the most depressing and time-consuming part of this stormy season of my life,” says Kaci Jackson-Mileham, who has been waiting for a transplant since September 2021. Jackson-Mileham was diagnosed at age seven with polycystic kidney disease. Her younger brother has the same disease. “I was told the form of the disease I had would not cause me any problems until later in life,” she says. “I lived a pretty normal life with hardly any complications.” At the age of 18, Jackson-Mileham partnered with IU Health Arnett nephrologist James Sutton, MD, for her care. He felt her kidney function was good and she had no major issues. Even during her first pregnancy, things were mostly ok. Baby number 2 changed things The plan she discussed with Sutton and her IU Health Arnett obstetrician Noel Wallace was to not have any more children due to the impact it could have on her kidneys. But life had other plans. “I cried when I found out I was pregnant,” says Jackson-Mileham, whose kidneys began to decline by month seven of her pregnancy. “Dr. Sutton was very caring, very hands-on and explained that my disease is my disease. It will progress on its
Patient Stories for Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Apr 28
“Dialysis is the most depressing and time-consuming part of this stormy season of my life,” says Kaci Jackson-Mileham, who has been waiting for a transplant since September 2021. Jackson-Mileham was diagnosed at age seven with polycystic kidney disease. Her younger brother has the same disease. “I was told the form of the disease I had would not cause me any problems until later in life,” she says. “I lived a pretty normal life with hardly any complications.” At the age of 18, Jackson-Mileham partnered with IU Health Arnett nephrologist James Sutton, MD, for her care. He felt her kidney function was good and she had no major issues. Even during her first pregnancy, things were mostly ok. Baby number 2 changed things The plan she discussed with Sutton and her IU Health Arnett obstetrician Noel Wallace was to not have any more children due to the impact it could have on her kidneys. But life had other plans. “I cried when I found out I was pregnant,” says Jackson-Mileham, whose kidneys began to decline by month seven of her pregnancy. “Dr. Sutton was very caring, very hands-on and explained that my disease is my disease. It will progress on its
PKD Foundation
This nonprofit group provides patient-friendly answers to common questions about polycystic kidney disease.
National Kidney Foundation
This nonprofit organization outlines the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of polycystic kidney disease and many other conditions.
Resources
PKD Foundation
This nonprofit group provides patient-friendly answers to common questions about polycystic kidney disease.
National Kidney Foundation
This nonprofit organization outlines the symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment of polycystic kidney disease and many other conditions.