Diagnosing ADPKD
Multiple techniques can be used to confirm a diagnosis of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)1
Diagnosis of ADPKD is typically established on the basis of2:


Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have been used to confirm diagnosis of ADPKD and quantify the size of the kidney.1
- While ultrasonography is a safe, easily performed, inexpensive, and most commonly used imaging tool to diagnose ADPKD, it is not precise enough to detect short-term disease progression3
- MRI has been shown to be more sensitive and reliable for measurement of renal cyst volume3
The variable symptoms of ADPKD can make confirming a positive family history challenging. For patients with a positive family history, genetic testing is available to help confirm a diagnosis of ADPKD.2
Recommended renal ultrasound diagnosis criteria4


Criteria based on age and cyst count in patients with a positive family history.
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Virzi GM, Corradi V, Panagiotou A, et al. ADPKD: Prototype of cardiorenal syndrome type 4. Int J Nephrol. 2010;2011:490795. doi:10.4061/2011/490795
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Ness B, Stovall K. Current recommendations for treating autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. JAAPA. 2016;29(12):24-28.
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Masoumi A, Reed-Gitomer B, Kelleher C, Bekheirnia MR, Schrier RW. Developments in the management of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2008:4(2):393-407.
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Pei Y, Watnick T. Diagnosis and screening of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Adv Chronic Kidney Dis. 2010;17(2):140-152. doi: 10.1053/j.ackd.2009.12.001