Hi
I had a mri for back pain and it showed multiple bilateral cysts with the largest cyst being 3.3 cm on the left kidney. I just got the report but have not heard from my Dr. I am wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. I am 60 and as I recall have only had one kidney infection in my 20's.
It might be genetic. I have a couple but small. When the first one showed up in my early 40s I was told it was normal. How is your urine and blood work otherwise?
My last bloodwork was 6 months ago and no problems. I had a urine test from the spine Dr a few says ago that is basically only a drug test to my knowledge. My creatinine level was 57.
my husband has several cysts in one kidney. They showed up on an MRI for a spinal issue in 2011, and also on CT images he has every 2 years for followup of an abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. His urologist has also done an ultrasound. they have been stable for 10 years, and are most likely genetic. try not to worry while you wait to talk to the doctor.
I am trying not to worry but my bil died a year ago from kidney cancer that metastasized due to his Dr never informing him that he had a renal cyst that needed to be followed up on.
I'm so sorry. I lost a brother to kidney cancer because things were not followed up properly. I hope you get good news soon, and you know that you can take charge and ask for whatever information you don't understand. If you don't hear from the doctor soon, please call and ask to speak to someone about your questions.
Thank you. I am sorry for the loss of your brother.
Is mri the gold standard? My report says circumscribed presumed bilateral cysts, incompletely characterized.
I think they can measure them fine with a sonogram
Some of that visit this site have been diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. You don't mention if your doc thinks that diagnosis might fit your situation or not. It's definitely inherited though some people report no history of it in their family which means it's a mutation that has occurred that caused the cysts. In my case I've had this for years and it's been steadily progressing for a long time (20 years that I've known about it). I'm now at stage 5 CKD because of the disease. I'm 68. My doc has never told me the "size" of any of my cysts, just that I have a bunch and my kidneys are huge. Just a few weeks ago, one of those cysts burst, causing a good deal of pain followed by a lot of blood in my urine. I was not prepared for that event. But I got some good pain meds from my doc and am prepared now. Before that, I never really had a lot of trouble with the cysts. The doc said that sometimes an infection can be associated with that event and special antibiotics are used if that happens. Your situation probably will never lead to an event like I just had, but it wouldn't hurt to see a Nephrologist to get his opinion of your cysts to get a diagnosis that will help you prepare/respond if your cysts ever become a larger problem. Oh and a normal creatine level is between 0.7 and 1.4. When you said your "creatine level was 57" did you mean your eGFR. If so, 57 is a very ok number (wish my eGFR was 57!) As others have said, you probably have nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to be informed about your kidneys, especially if there's family history. And come to this forum and ask questions. These folks know their stuff, though will always refer you to your Drs for their advise.
My GP said no need to do anything. At first I agreed but have decided to get a second opinion. Not sure what measure the lab uses for my creatinine level but it was 57 and the range was >20. The spine clinic did that test. My understanding is they test urine for illegal drug abuse before they will treat you.
I have numerous bilateral renal cysts. They were discovered on ultrasound after evaluation for high blood pressure. I have simple and complex cysts. Complex cysts need to be watched for changes. My nephrologist said genetic testing is only way to verify PKD in my case. I am not being tested.
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