Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney: Microscopic Features

Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) - Microscopic Features: The normal renal architecture is replaced by cysts of various sizes which begin as saccular expansion of all segments of the renal tubules and glomerular capsule. The dilated tubules progressively expand and become thin-walled cysts lined by a single layer of flattened or low cuboidal epithelium. The cysts are separated by thin septa containing residual renal parenchyma which may show interstitial fibrosis, sclerotic glomeruli, arteriosclerosis, tubular atrophy, calcific deposits, and a chronic inflammatory infiltrate. The epithelium lining the cysts may become focally hyperplastic or papillary and form adenomas. In this image, several cysts contain proteinaceous material or hemorrhage.