Imaging approaches to patients with polycystic kidney disease

Imaging is an important approach to diagnosis, monitoring, and predicting outcomes for patients with autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. This article reviews three common clinical imaging techniques, ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and their role in the management of autosomal-dominant polycystic kidney disease. Ultrasonographic criteria for diagnosis in children and adults are reviewed. Total kidney volume, as measured by magnetic resonance imaging, is suggested as an important potential marker to determine disease progression and overall prognosis. Renal blood flow and a novel approach to interpreting noncystic renal parenchyma by computed tomography images are other innovative imaging approaches described.