Polycystic

Polycystic is an adjective used in medicine to describe conditions in which multiple cysts form within an organ or tissue. A cyst is a closed sac that may contain fluid, air, or semi-solid material. The term is descriptive, not a single disease, and it appears in several contexts, most commonly polycystic kidney disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, and polycystic liver disease.

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a hereditary disorder in which numerous kidney cysts enlarge the kidneys and gradually impair function. This can lead to hypertension, flank or abdominal pain, urinary infections, and eventually kidney failure. The two main forms are autosomal dominant PKD, usually presenting in adulthood, and autosomal recessive PKD, typically more severe and evident in infancy or early childhood. Management focuses on blood pressure control, pain relief, infection prevention, and replacement therapy (dialysis or transplantation) as kidney function declines.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine condition affecting people with ovaries. It is characterized by irregular or absent ovulation, signs of hyperandrogenism (such as excess facial or body hair or acne), and polycystic-appearing ovaries on ultrasound. Symptoms and severity vary. Treatment often includes lifestyle modification, menstrual regulation, and adjustments to androgenic symptoms or metabolic risk (for example, hormonal contraception, anti-androgens, or insulin-sensitizing agents where appropriate). Not all individuals with polycystic ovaries have PCOS.

Polycystic liver disease (PCLD) involves multiple cysts in the liver, which are usually benign but can cause fullness or pain if numerous. Management ranges from observation to procedures to drain or reduce cysts in symptomatic cases, with severe disease occasionally requiring transplantation.

Diagnosis typically relies on imaging (ultrasound, CT, MRI) and, in hereditary forms, genetic testing to guide management.