Medical expert of the article
New publications
Medullary sponge kidney.
Last reviewed: 04.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
[ Causes of a medullary spongy kidney.
Medullary spongy kidney is considered a congenital disease. The anomaly is formed at relatively early stages of ontogenesis, since histological examination reveals areas of embryonic renal tissue.
The significance of hereditary factors in the development of medullary sponge kidney has not been established. Cases of combination of medullary sponge kidney with developmental anomalies of other organs, including hereditary syndromes (Ehlers-Danlos, Marfan) as well as congenital heart defects and Caroli disease have been described.
Symptoms of a medullary spongy kidney.
There are no symptoms of medullary sponge kidney. Common complications of medullary sponge kidney are nephrolithiasis and urinary tract infections.
Diagnostics of a medullary spongy kidney.
Laboratory diagnostics of medullary sponge kidney
Most patients with medullary sponge kidney have microhematuria; episodes of macrohematuria are possible.
Instrumental diagnostics of medullary sponge kidney
The method of choice for diagnosing medullary spongy kidney is intravenous pyelography. When contrasted, the dilated sections of the collecting ducts acquire a characteristic "bunch of grapes" or "bouquet of flowers" appearance.
What do need to examine?
What tests are needed?
Who to contact?
Treatment of a medullary spongy kidney.
Treatment of medullary sponge kidney has not been developed. In case of irreversible deterioration of kidney function, methods of renal replacement therapy are used.
Forecast
The prognosis of patients with medullary sponge kidney depends on the frequency of episodes of macrohematuria, urinary tract infections, and the severity of nephrolithiasis. With adequate prevention and treatment of nephrolithiasis and urinary tract infections, medullary sponge kidney is a relatively benign condition.
