Glomerulocystic kidney identified in older patients by magnetic resonance imaging: Relation to renal function and renal corticomedullary differentiation

Glomerulocystic kidney (GCK) is often associated with genetic disorders and identified in children or adolescents. However, there are some case reports describing sporadic adult GCK identified by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate relationship of GCK identified by MRI in older patients to renal function and renal corticomedullary differentiation (CMD) assessed by MRI. GCK was identified in 16 older patients (mean age, 79.2 years) by T2-weighted imaging. The cysts of GCK were numerous, homogeneously small, and located in the renal cortex on T2-weighted images. Ten of the 16 patients with GCK had renal impairment (estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). Six patients who had GCK, chronic liver disease, and renal impairment showed moderate or good CMD. GCK identified by MRI may be related to renal impairment in some older patients, including those with preserved CMD as a result of chronic liver diseases.