Polycystic dysplasias of the kidney. Apropos of 55 cases

The authors define their diagnostic approach and current management of Polycystic Renal Dysplasia (PRD) on the basis of a retrospective study of 55 children. Antenatal and postnatal renal ultrasonography and I.V.P. ensure early diagnosis of this congenital malformation; these two investigations together with cystography demonstrate the high incidence (16/55) of associated contralateral uropathy (vesicoureteric reflux, megaureter, hydronephrosis). Three therapeutic possibilities are discussed: therapeutic abstention and ultrasound guided cyst aspiration may be justified, but the authors prefer surgery as it allows confirmation of the diagnosis, elimination of the symptoms related to the cysts and their complications, confirmation of the absence of an associated nephroblastoma and treatment of any associated contralateral uropathy. In any case, it is impossible to restore the function of the dysplastic kidney, hence the importance of identifying any associated contralateral uropathy which could determine the vital prognosis.