Intracranial Aneurysms In Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: A Nephrologist’s Perspective

Abstract

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) belongs to the most common genetic disorders, and affects approximately 1 in 1,000 people in the general population. It is well-known risk factor for intracranial aneurysms (IAs). However, universal screening for IAs in ADPKD patients remains controversial. Nevertheless, to improve patients’ outcomes, patients at risk for IAs should be identified, screened, and prophylactically treated if required. From the point of view of a nephrologist, it is crucial to answer two questions: (1) which ADPKD patients should undergo screening for IAs; and (2) how this screening should be done. These issues are discussed in the paper.