Nephronophthisis and medullary cystic kidney disease are inherited disorders that cause cysts restricted to the renal medulla or corticomedullary border and, eventually, end-stage renal disease.
Nephronophthisis and medullary cystic kidney disease are grouped together because they share many features. Pathologically, they cause cysts restricted to the renal medulla or corticomedullary border, as well as a triad of tubular atrophy, tubular basement membrane disintegration, and interstitial fibrosis. They probably share similar mechanisms, although these are not well characterized. Features of both disorders include the following:
Key differences between nephronophthisis and medullary cystic kidney disease include inheritance patterns and age at onset of chronic kidney disease.
Inheritance is autosomal recessive. Nephronophthisis accounts for up to 15% of chronic kidney disease with renal failure in children and young adults (< 20 yr). There are 3 types:
Nine gene mutations have been identified in patients with nephronophthisis. Mutations of the NPHP1 gene are the most common, identified in about 30 to 60% of patients. About 10% of patients with nephronophthisis also have other manifestations, including retinitis pigmentosa, hepatic fibrosis, intellectual disability, and other neurologic abnormalities.
ESRD often develops during childhood and causes growth restriction and bone disease. However, in many patients, these problems develop slowly over years and are so well compensated for that they are not recognized as abnormal until significant uremic symptoms appear. Hypertension sometimes develops.
The diagnosis should be suspected in children with the following, particularly if the urinary sediment is benign:
Proteinuria is usually absent. Diagnosis is confirmed by imaging, but cysts often occur only late in disease. Ultrasonography, CT, or MRI may show smooth renal outlines with normal-sized or small kidneys, loss of corticomedullary differentiation, and multiple cysts at the corticomedullary junction. Hydronephrosis is typically absent. Genetic testing is available.
In early disease, treatment involves management of hypertension, electrolyte and acid-base disorders, and anemia. Children with growth restriction may respond to nutritional supplements and growth hormone therapy. Ultimately, all patients develop renal failure and require dialysis or transplantation.
Medullary cystic kidney disease
Inheritance is autosomal dominant. The disease affects people in their 30s through 70s. There are 2 types, which differ by median age at onset and by genetic mutation:
About 15% of patients have no family history, suggesting a sporadic new mutation. Hypertension is common. Hyperuricemia and gout are the only extrarenal manifestations; they tend to develop early in type 2 and late in type 1. ESRD typically develops at age 30 to 50.
Medullary cystic kidney disease should be suspected in patients with the following, particularly if the urinary sediment is benign:
Mild proteinuria is possible. Results of imaging studies have many similarities to that of nephronophthisis; however, renal medullary cysts are only sometimes visible. Genetic testing can confirm the diagnosis of type 2. Kidney biopsy may be necessary for diagnosis of type 1.
Treatment is generally similar to that of nephronophthisis. Allopurinol can help control gout.
Last full review/revision September 2013 by Navin Jaipaul, MD, MHS
Content last modified October 2013