medullary cystic disease

pathology

Also known as: sponge kidney

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

Medullary cystic disease is a congenital condition where cysts form in the kidney's small collecting tubules. These tubules transport urine from the nephrons, the kidney's urine-producing units. The disease typically lacks warning signs, but affected individuals may develop anemia, low blood salt concentrations, and elevated nitrogenous substances in their blood. The kidneys often shrink, develop a granular surface, and show numerous small cysts alongside significant scar tissue. This condition most commonly affects older children and young adults.1

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renal cyst
In medullary cystic diseases, also thought to be congenital in origin, cysts form in the small collecting tubules that transport urine from the nephrons, the urine-producing units of the kidney. The disease generally does not have warning symptoms, but affected persons become anemic and have low…
Read More
In medullary cystic diseases, also thought to be congenital in origin, cysts form in the small collecting tubules that transport urine from the nephrons, the urine-producing units of the kidney. The disease generally does not have warning symptoms, but affected persons become anemic and have low…
Read More