| Medullary sponge kidney | |
|---|---|
| Other names | Cacchi–Ricci disease |
 | |
| Medullary sponge as seen on an intravenous pyelogram | |
| Specialty | Medical genetics, nephrology  |
Medullary sponge kidney is a congenital disorder of the kidneys characterized by cystic dilatation of the collecting tubules in one or both kidneys. Individuals with medullary sponge kidney are at increased risk for kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI). Patients with MSK typically pass twice as many stones per year as do other stone formers without MSK. While having a low morbidity rate, as many as 10% of patients with MSK have an increased risk of morbidity associated with frequent stones and UTIs. While many patients report increased chronic kidney pain, the source of the pain, when a UTI or blockage is not present, is unclear at this time. Renal colic (flank and back pain) is present in 55% of patients. Women with MSK experience more stones, UTIs, and complications than men. MSK was previously believed not to be hereditary but there is more evidence coming forth that may indicate otherwise.[1][2]
- ^ "Medullary Sponge Kidney". Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 22 August 2012.
- ^ Goldfarb DS (2013). "Evidence for inheritance of medullary sponge kidney". Kidney Int. 83 (2): 193–6. doi:10.1038/ki.2012.417. PMID 23364586.