Polycystic Kidney Disease

Overview

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which clusters of noncancerous, fluid-filled sacs (cysts) develop within the kidneys. The cysts vary in size and, as they accumulate more fluid, they can grow very large. Although kidneys usually are the most severely affected organs, polycystic kidney disease can cause cysts to develop elsewhere in the body, too. The disease causes a variety of serious complications.

Why choose Mayo Clinic

• Experience. Mayo Clinic is a leader in the treatment of polycystic kidney disease. Each year doctors at the three Mayo Clinic locations care for more than 800 patients who have polycystic kidney disease.
• Team approach. Mayo Clinic kidney specialists (nephrologists) and other doctors experienced in diagnosing and treating polycystic kidney disease — such as hypertension specialists and geneticists — work together to develop a treatment plan that meets your needs. Mayo doctors also collaborate with research scientists to find new approaches.
• Novel treatments. Mayo Clinic is at the forefront of research into medications and therapies for managing polycystic kidney disease. Mayo Clinic researchers have discovered many of the genes that cause different forms of polycystic kidney disease. This ongoing research means that in addition to standard therapies, you may also have access to new or emerging polycystic kidney disease therapies not available elsewhere.

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., ranks No. 1 for kidney disorders in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings. Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Ariz., is ranked among the Best Hospitals for kidney disorders by U.S. News & World Report.

Read more about polycystic kidney disease at MayoClinic.com.