PREVALENCE OF ACQUIRED CYSTIC KIDNEY-DISEASE AND TUMORS IN NATIVE KIDNEYS OF RENAL-TRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS - A PROSPECTIVE US STUDY

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD) and renal neoplasms in the native kidneys of renal transplant recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ultrasound (US) scans in 385 renal allograft recipients were prospectively studied. In addition, 65 patients with ACKD underwent two additional US examinations on different days to assess intra- and interobserver variability with regard to the number of cysts and their diameter. RESULTS: ACKD was present in 96 of 385 patients. Patients with ACKD were significantly older than patients without ACKD, had undergone hemodialysis for a longer period, and were predominantly men. There was no significant difference in the time with functioning graft. Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was diagnosed in six patients at histologic examination. Of these six patients, five had evidence of ACKD. CONCLUSION: The frequency of ACKD increases with the duration of hemodialysis. The risk for the development of ACKD is increased in men and older patients. The malignant potential of ACKD persists after renal transplantation.