multicystic kidney

Multicystic kidney (sometimes referred to as polycystic kidney) is a congenital malformation of one or rarely, both kidneys. Nowadays it usually discovered on prenatal ultrasound examination of the fetus. The kidney appears exactly as the name implies, filled with numerous hollow cysts. The condition is usually caused by severe blockage of urine flow out of one of the kidneys. Because one kidney can enlarge and take over the work of both, the child will have normal kidney function. If multicystic kidney is discovered prenatally, a repeat ultrasound is done about two weeks after delivery to confirm the diagnosis. If a multicystic kidney is found, other studies would then be performed. Ordinarily, the nonfunctioning kidney does not need to be removed, however the child will have to follow single kidney precautions for sports participation.

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