Diagnostic Imaging of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is one of the most common genetic disorders caused by a single gene mutation. The disease usually manifests itself at the age of 30–40 years and is characterized by formation of renal cysts along with the enlargement of kidneys and deterioration of their function, eventually leading to renal insufficiency. Imaging studies (sonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging) play an important role in the diagnostics of the disease, the monitoring of its progression, and the detection of complications. Imaging is also helpful in detecting extrarenal manifestations of ADPKD, most significant of which include intracranial aneurysms and cystic liver diseases.