Effect of Pregnancy on MRI measures of Kidney and Liver Cyst Growth Rates in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)

Motivation: There is limited knowledge about pregnancy effects on renal and hepatic cyst growth in ADPKD. Goal(s): To assess if renal and hepatic cyst growth rate during pregnancy is greater among ADPKD patients as compared to a non-ADPKD control group. Approach: We used MRI scans to measure and compare total kidney and liver volume and cyst growth rates during and during non-pregnancy in 16 ADPKD patients, including subgroup analysis based on IVF status. Results: Pregnancy was associated with increased kidney growth rate and a trend of cysts growing faster. Liver increased trend of growth in pregnancy was similar to non-ADPKD controls. Impact: Female ADPKD patient should consider the risk of increase kidney growth prior to pregnancy.