Incidental finding of acquired cystic kidney disease associated renal cell carcinoma in an adolescent with kidney failure

Pediatr Nephrol. 2024 Apr 10. doi: 10.1007/s00467-024-06364-y. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) can occur in patients with chronic kidney disease and kidney failure, and its incidence increases with the duration of dialysis. In adults, ACKD is less common in the pre-dialysis group (~ 7%), but its incidence can be as high as 80% for those who are on dialysis for more than ten years. There is, however, very little information about the prevalence of ACKD in children. We report a case of malignant transformation of ACKD following a kidney transplant, highlighting the importance of surveillance of the native kidneys in paediatric patients who have been in long-term kidney replacement therapy.

Keywords: Acquired cystic kidney disease; Dialysis; Kidney failure; Renal cell carcinoma.