multicystic dysplastic kidney
A congenital condition where normal kidney tissue is replaced by non-communicating cysts and dysplastic tissue.
Full Definition
Multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) is a developmental abnormality in which the affected kidney consists of multiple non-communicating cysts of varying sizes with intervening dysplastic tissue and no normal renal parenchyma. This condition typically affects one kidney (unilateral MCDK) and is often diagnosed prenatally on ultrasound or in the neonatal period. The affected kidney has no function and typically involutes over time. In pediatric nephrology, management involves monitoring the contralateral kidney for compensatory hypertrophy and screening for associated abnormalities such as vesicoureteral reflux.
Usage
Usage note: May be abbreviated as MCDK in clinical notes but should be spelled out in formal reports.
In Context
- "Prenatal ultrasound revealed a multicystic dysplastic kidney on the left side with normal right kidney development." — Fetal medicine report
- "The multicystic dysplastic kidney showed progressive involution on serial imaging studies." — Pediatric urology follow-up