Pulmonary Cyst: A Rare Extra-Renal Manifestation of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease

Abstract

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by bilateral multiple renal cysts of varying sizes leading to end stage renal failure after a few years. Though there is a wealth of information regarding the extrarenal visceral linkages of ADPKD, very few studies have described constellate pulmonary findings within the spectrum of extrarenal manifestations. This case study features a 55-year-old woman who had intermittent flank pain for two years until an ultrasound revealed she had ADPKD. HRCT chest revealed pulmonary cysts in bilateral lung fields. Patient had no pre-existing pulmonary disease or co-existing risk factors, HRCT findings were considered to be the spectrum of ADPKD associations. The report underscores the need for comprehensive systemic diagnostic evaluation in patients for ADPKD, as fatal complications like pneumothorax can be the first presentation of such patients in emergency department besides other systemic complaints.