Ultrasonography in Evaluation of Renal Function at Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: a case report

Introduction: The purpose of this case report is to demonstrate the role of ultrasoundgraphy in renal function evaluation at autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). Case presentation: A 48-year-old man with ADPKD underwent percutaneous cyst evacuation because of two-month left flank pain. 165 ml cyst fluid was aspirated from one big cyst in the left renal hilum. Doppler ultrasonography exam and radioisotope scans were performed to evaluate the renal function. Initial Doppler ultrasonography detected an increased resistive index – 0.82, probably, due to a compression of renal vessels caused by the big renal cyst. 3 days after cyst aspiration, the resistive index decreased to normal – 0.65, but this did not correspond to improvement in renal function. Moreover, renograms showed significant impairment of left kidney’s function – its share decreased from 45% to 11% and creatinine rose from 628 μmol/l to 660 μmol/l. Conclusion: Our case shows that percutaneous drainage is safe and feasible, and can help control pain but ultrasonography, the major diagnostic tool for polycystic disease, is not suitable for renal function evaluation at ADPKD.