Whole exome sequencing reveals a stop-gain mutation of PKD2 in an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease family complicated with aortic dissection

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited kidney disorder characterized by progressive cyst formation and expansion in the kidneys, which culminates in end-stage renal disease. Aortic dissection is a rare vascular complication of ADPKD and related literature is currently limited. CASE PRESENTATION: In this report, we described a patient with asymptomatic Stanford B aortic dissection. Further investigation revealed a positive family history of ADPKD and normal renal function. Whole exome sequencing identified a stop-gain mutation c.1774C > T, p.Arg592Ter in the PKD2 gene that segregated in the family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of ADPKD complicated with aortic dissection caused by PKD2 mutation. CONCLUSIONS: The case illustrates the importance of aorta imaging and molecular diagnosis in ADPKD patients in order to achieve early recognition of the deadly vascular complication.