Clinicopathological manifestations of nephronophthisis-medullary cystic kidney disease / 中华肾脏病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To report the clinicopathological features of 2 cases of nephronophthisis-medullary cystic kidney disease (NPH-MCKD). Methods The clinical data and pathological changes of renal biopsy in two patients of NPH-MCKD from our hospital were analyzed, and associated literatures were reviewed simultanously. The clinicopathological featuresand diagnosis of NPH-MCKD were discussed. Results Two adolescent patients were admitted to our hospital for indolent renal insufficiency, polyuria accompanied by polydipsia as first signs.Urine analysis showed low specific density urine, mild proteinuria, and few formed elements in urinary sediments. The ability of urine concentration and acidification was decreased. Familial history of renal disease and extra-renal lesions were not found. Renal ultrasound presented an increased echogenicity with diminished cortico-meduUary differentiation, and multiple small cysts in renal corticomedullary border were identified in one case by computed tomography. Pathological examination of renal biopsy revealed diffuse tubular interstitial lesion which was characterized by the triad of tubular basement disintegration, tubular atrophy with cyst development, and interstitial fibrosis. Some of glomerular sclerosis occurred. Cyst development at the corticomedullary border of the kidneys was the specific feature of NPH-MCKD. Conclusions Young patients with impaired tubular function should be suspected of NPH-MCKD. Renal ultrasound or computed tomography can provide an important clue. Multiple renal cysts at the corticomedullary border identified by renal biopsy can be a diagnostic indication for NPH-MCKD.