Cystic renal dysplasia
Clinical story
41 years old woman, 36 weeks pregnant with twins. By ultrasound, one twin was diagnosed with a severe heart malformation and bilaterally enlarged kidneys. The twin died a few hours after birth. At autopsy, the kidneys were enlarged with multiple cysts. The ureters were convoluted and with changing caliber. No stenoses were found.
Comments
The section from one kidney shows multiple cysts with flattened epithelium. Normal tubules and glomeruli are seen, but the tissue is dominated by immature, loose mesenchyme and tubular structures of varying caliber. Smaller tubules, surrounded by tightly-packed, concentrically oriented connective tissue, can also be seen.
Learning goals
Recognize the tissue as a malformed kidney and discuss the probable reasons for the disease.