Acquired cystic kidney disease

Acquired cystic kidney disease (ACKD), also known as acquired renal cystic disease (ARCD) occurs in patients who are on dialysis for end-stage renal d isease. It is generally accepted that ACKD develops as a consequence of sus tained uremia and can first manifest even before dialysis is initiated whil e the patient is still in chronic renal failure role of immune suppression, particularly in transplant recipients, in the development of ACKD, is stil l under investigation. The prevalence of ACKD directly related to the durat ion of dialysis and the risk of cancer is directly related to the presence of cysts. Herein we review the current understanding of the pathophysiology and imaging implications of ACKD.