kidney and urinary tract disorders
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
Diagnosis of Polycystic Kidney Disease
Imaging tests Genetic testing A doctor suspects PKD on the basis of family history or if an Imaging Tests of the Urinary Tract done for another reason shows enlarged kidneys and cysts in the kidneys. Ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveal the characteristic appearance of cysts in the kidneys and liver. Even if the person has a family history of PKD, doctors may not recommend diagnostic tests until symptoms occur because there are no effective treatments until symptoms occur and being diagnosed may have harmful effects (for example, difficulty obtaining life insurance). Genetic testing is available to help people with PKD understand the probability that their children will inherit the condition. 