Pre-Case Assessment: Test Your Baseline Knowledge
Answer these questions before reviewing the case to assess your starting knowledge
1
What is the most common extrarenal manifestation of ADPKD that requires screening?
A) Hepatic cysts
B) Intracranial aneurysms
C) Mitral valve prolapse
D) Colonic diverticulosis
Correct Answer: B
Learning Point: Intracranial aneurysms occur in 8-10% of ADPKD patients and require screening, especially with family history or symptoms. They are the most clinically significant extrarenal manifestation.
📚 Reference: Extrarenal Manifestations Module
Learning Point: Intracranial aneurysms occur in 8-10% of ADPKD patients and require screening, especially with family history or symptoms. They are the most clinically significant extrarenal manifestation.
📚 Reference: Extrarenal Manifestations Module
2
Which gene mutation is associated with more severe disease progression in ADPKD?
A) PKD1 mutation
B) PKD2 mutation
C) Both progress equally
D) Mutation type doesn't affect progression
Correct Answer: A
Learning Point: PKD1 mutations cause more severe disease with earlier onset of ESRD (average age 54) compared to PKD2 (average age 74). This affects treatment decisions and monitoring frequency.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Genetics Module
Learning Point: PKD1 mutations cause more severe disease with earlier onset of ESRD (average age 54) compared to PKD2 (average age 74). This affects treatment decisions and monitoring frequency.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Genetics Module
3
What is the target blood pressure for ADPKD patients under age 50?
A) <140/90 mmHg
B) <130/80 mmHg
C) <110/75 mmHg
D) <120/80 mmHg
Correct Answer: C
Learning Point: Aggressive blood pressure control (<110/75 mmHg) in young ADPKD patients may slow kidney enlargement and preserve function. This is more aggressive than standard CKD targets.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Hypertension Management
Learning Point: Aggressive blood pressure control (<110/75 mmHg) in young ADPKD patients may slow kidney enlargement and preserve function. This is more aggressive than standard CKD targets.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Hypertension Management
Case Presentation
Patient: 40-year-old man
Chief Complaint: "I've been having headaches and my doctor said I might have the same kidney disease my grandfather had"
History: Recently diagnosed hypertension during routine physical. Progressive headaches over 6 months, initially attributed to work stress. Family history significant for grandfather who required kidney transplant at age 65 due to "polycystic kidney disease." Patient's father died in car accident at age 35 before developing kidney problems. Has a 15-year-old son and is concerned about screening.
Past Medical History: Hypertension (newly diagnosed), no other significant medical history
Home Medications: Lisinopril 10mg daily (started 2 weeks ago)
Social History: Software engineer, drinks 2-3 glasses of water daily, occasionally drinks alcohol socially, non-smoker
Review of Systems: Intermittent flank discomfort, no hematuria, no UTI symptoms, no visual changes
🤔 Initial Clinical Reasoning Questions
4
Based on this family history, what is the most likely inheritance pattern and risk to the patient's son?
A) Autosomal recessive; son has 25% risk
B) Autosomal dominant; son has 50% risk if patient affected
C) X-linked; son has no risk
D) Complex inheritance; risk cannot be determined
Correct Answer: B
Clinical Reasoning: ADPKD follows autosomal dominant inheritance. If this patient has ADPKD, his son has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. The missing generation (father's early death) doesn't rule out inheritance.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Genetics
Clinical Reasoning: ADPKD follows autosomal dominant inheritance. If this patient has ADPKD, his son has a 50% chance of inheriting the condition. The missing generation (father's early death) doesn't rule out inheritance.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Genetics
5
Given the patient's headaches and family history, what is the most important immediate concern?
A) Hypertensive emergency
B) Possible intracranial aneurysm
C) Acute kidney injury
D) Cyst rupture
Correct Answer: B
Clinical Reasoning: New-onset headaches in a patient with suspected ADPKD requires screening for intracranial aneurysms, which occur in 8-10% of ADPKD patients and can be life-threatening.
📚 Reference: Aneurysm Screening Protocol
Clinical Reasoning: New-onset headaches in a patient with suspected ADPKD requires screening for intracranial aneurysms, which occur in 8-10% of ADPKD patients and can be life-threatening.
📚 Reference: Aneurysm Screening Protocol
Physical Examination & Initial Workup
Vital Signs
- Blood Pressure: 145/92 mmHg
- Heart Rate: 78 bpm
- Temperature: 98.6°F (37°C)
- Weight: 85 kg
- Height: 180 cm
General Examination
- General: Well-appearing, alert
- HEENT: Normal, no papilledema
- Cardiovascular: Regular rhythm, no murmurs
- Pulmonary: Clear bilaterally
Abdominal Examination
- Inspection: No distension
- Palpation: Bilateral flank fullness
- Percussion: Dullness in flanks
- Organomegaly: Possible bilateral kidney enlargement
Neurological
- Mental status: Alert and oriented
- Cranial nerves: Intact
- Motor/sensory: Normal
- Reflexes: Normal and symmetric
Laboratory Results & Imaging
📊 Laboratory Values
| Parameter | Value | Normal Range | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum Creatinine | 1.2 mg/dL | 0.8-1.3 mg/dL | Normal, preserved kidney function |
| eGFR | 78 mL/min/1.73m² | >90 mL/min/1.73m² | Mildly decreased |
| BUN | 18 mg/dL | 8-20 mg/dL | Normal |
| Urinalysis | Protein trace, no RBC | Negative | Minimal proteinuria |
| 24-hr urine protein | 0.8 g | <0.15 g | Mild proteinuria |
📸 Imaging Studies
Renal Ultrasound
- Right kidney: 14.2 cm length, multiple cysts
- Left kidney: 13.8 cm length, multiple cysts
- Cyst count: >10 cysts per kidney
- Echogenicity: Normal cortical echogenicity
- Liver: Multiple hepatic cysts noted
MRI Kidneys (recommended)
- Total kidney volume: To be calculated
- Height-adjusted TKV: Critical for Tolvaptan eligibility
- Cyst characteristics: Simple cysts, no complexity
- Benefits: Better volume assessment than ultrasound
📊 Imaging & Laboratory Analysis Questions
6
Based on the ultrasound findings, does this patient meet the diagnostic criteria for ADPKD at age 40?
A) Yes, >10 cysts per kidney meets age 40+ criteria
B) No, needs at least 15 cysts per kidney
C) No, needs bilateral cysts plus family history
D) Indeterminate, requires genetic testing
Correct Answer: A
Learning Point: Pei-Ravine criteria: Age 40-59 requires ≥3 cysts per kidney. This patient far exceeds criteria with >10 cysts per kidney plus positive family history.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Diagnostic Criteria
Learning Point: Pei-Ravine criteria: Age 40-59 requires ≥3 cysts per kidney. This patient far exceeds criteria with >10 cysts per kidney plus positive family history.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Diagnostic Criteria
7
What is the best next imaging study for this patient and why?
A) Volumetric CT without contrast - equivalent to MRI
B) MRI kidneys - superior to CT for total kidney volume measurement
C) Repeat ultrasound in 6 months
D) No additional imaging needed
Correct Answer: B
Learning Point: MRI is superior to volumetric CT for total kidney volume measurement in ADPKD. MRI provides more accurate TKV measurements, better soft tissue contrast, and no radiation exposure. Height-adjusted TKV >600 mL/m indicates rapid progression and Tolvaptan eligibility.
📚 Reference: Total Kidney Volume Assessment
Learning Point: MRI is superior to volumetric CT for total kidney volume measurement in ADPKD. MRI provides more accurate TKV measurements, better soft tissue contrast, and no radiation exposure. Height-adjusted TKV >600 mL/m indicates rapid progression and Tolvaptan eligibility.
📚 Reference: Total Kidney Volume Assessment
ADPKD Progression Risk Assessment
Calculating ADPKD progression risk and treatment recommendations...
Intracranial Aneurysm Screening
8
Given this patient's headaches and ADPKD diagnosis, what aneurysm screening approach is most appropriate?
A) No screening needed - low risk
B) MRA brain (not MRI) now, repeat in 5-10 years if negative
C) CT angiogram only if headaches worsen
D) Annual MRA screening
Correct Answer: B
Clinical Reasoning: MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is the test of choice for intracranial aneurysm screening, NOT standard MRI. MRA specifically images blood vessels and can detect aneurysms ≥3mm. Standard brain MRI does not adequately visualize cerebral vasculature. ADPKD patients with symptoms (headaches) should have MRA screening.
📚 Reference: Aneurysm Screening Guidelines
Clinical Reasoning: MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiography) is the test of choice for intracranial aneurysm screening, NOT standard MRI. MRA specifically images blood vessels and can detect aneurysms ≥3mm. Standard brain MRI does not adequately visualize cerebral vasculature. ADPKD patients with symptoms (headaches) should have MRA screening.
📚 Reference: Aneurysm Screening Guidelines
9
Which features would indicate HIGH-RISK aneurysms requiring immediate intervention?
A) Size >3mm, anterior circulation
B) Size >7mm, irregular shape, or symptoms
C) Any aneurysm in ADPKD patient
D) Posterior circulation location only
Correct Answer: B
Clinical Management: Aneurysms >7mm, irregular/multilobulated shape, or symptomatic aneurysms require neurosurgical evaluation. Size >10mm has very high rupture risk and typically requires intervention.
📚 Reference: Aneurysm Management
Clinical Management: Aneurysms >7mm, irregular/multilobulated shape, or symptomatic aneurysms require neurosurgical evaluation. Size >10mm has very high rupture risk and typically requires intervention.
📚 Reference: Aneurysm Management
Family Screening & Genetic Counseling
10
For screening the patient's 15-year-old son, what findings would suggest ADPKD?
A) Any bilateral kidney cysts
B) ≥3 cysts total (bilateral) with family history
C) ≥5 cysts per kidney
D) Single large cyst >3cm
Correct Answer: B
Learning Point: For age 15-39 with positive family history, ≥3 cysts (bilateral) indicates ADPKD. For ages 15-19, even 1-2 cysts may be significant. Genetic testing may be considered for family planning.
📚 Reference: Pediatric ADPKD Screening
Learning Point: For age 15-39 with positive family history, ≥3 cysts (bilateral) indicates ADPKD. For ages 15-19, even 1-2 cysts may be significant. Genetic testing may be considered for family planning.
📚 Reference: Pediatric ADPKD Screening
11
When should the 15-year-old son begin regular screening if initial ultrasound is negative?
A) Annual screening starting now
B) Repeat at age 18, then every 3-5 years until age 30
C) No further screening needed if negative now
D) Wait until age 25 for first screening
Correct Answer: B
Clinical Guidance: Negative screening in teenagers doesn't rule out ADPKD. Repeat at age 18, then every 3-5 years through age 30. After 30, if consistently negative, ADPKD is very unlikely.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Screening Protocols
Clinical Guidance: Negative screening in teenagers doesn't rule out ADPKD. Repeat at age 18, then every 3-5 years through age 30. After 30, if consistently negative, ADPKD is very unlikely.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Screening Protocols
Tolvaptan Therapy Evaluation
12
What criteria must be met for Tolvaptan therapy in ADPKD?
A) Any ADPKD patient with hypertension
B) CKD stages 1-3, evidence of rapid progression
C) Age >50 with family history
D) All ADPKD patients to prevent progression
Correct Answer: B
Treatment Rationale: Tolvaptan is indicated for CKD stages 1-3 (eGFR >25) with evidence of rapid progression: declining eGFR, increasing TKV, or high-risk features. Not for advanced CKD or all patients.
📚 Reference: Tolvaptan Treatment Guidelines
Treatment Rationale: Tolvaptan is indicated for CKD stages 1-3 (eGFR >25) with evidence of rapid progression: declining eGFR, increasing TKV, or high-risk features. Not for advanced CKD or all patients.
📚 Reference: Tolvaptan Treatment Guidelines
13
What is the most important monitoring requirement for Tolvaptan therapy?
A) Monthly kidney function tests
B) Monthly liver function tests for first 18 months
C) Weekly electrolyte monitoring
D) Daily urine output measurement
Correct Answer: B
Safety Monitoring: Tolvaptan can cause idiosyncratic liver injury (ALT >3x ULN in 4.4% of patients). Monthly LFTs are required for first 18 months, then every 3 months. Drug must be stopped if ALT >3x ULN.
📚 Reference: Tolvaptan Safety Monitoring
Safety Monitoring: Tolvaptan can cause idiosyncratic liver injury (ALT >3x ULN in 4.4% of patients). Monthly LFTs are required for first 18 months, then every 3 months. Drug must be stopped if ALT >3x ULN.
📚 Reference: Tolvaptan Safety Monitoring
Blood Pressure Management & Medications
14
What is the optimal first-line antihypertensive for this 40-year-old ADPKD patient?
A) ACE inhibitor (lisinopril) - continue current choice
B) Calcium channel blocker for better BP control
C) Beta-blocker for cardioprotection
D) Diuretic for volume management
Correct Answer: A
Treatment Choice: ACE inhibitors are first-line for ADPKD patients. They provide renoprotection, may slow cyst growth, and have cardiovascular benefits. Target <110/75 mmHg in young patients with preserved kidney function.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Hypertension Treatment
Treatment Choice: ACE inhibitors are first-line for ADPKD patients. They provide renoprotection, may slow cyst growth, and have cardiovascular benefits. Target <110/75 mmHg in young patients with preserved kidney function.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Hypertension Treatment
15
Current BP is 145/92 on lisinopril 10mg. What is the next best step?
A) Increase lisinopril to 20mg daily
B) Add amlodipine 5mg daily
C) Switch to losartan 50mg daily
D) Add hydrochlorothiazide 25mg daily
Correct Answer: A
Dose Optimization: Maximize ACE inhibitor dose first (up to 40mg lisinopril daily if tolerated). Target <110/75 mmHg in young ADPKD patients. If maximum dose insufficient, then add calcium channel blocker or ARB.
📚 Reference: Antihypertensive Titration
Dose Optimization: Maximize ACE inhibitor dose first (up to 40mg lisinopril daily if tolerated). Target <110/75 mmHg in young ADPKD patients. If maximum dose insufficient, then add calcium channel blocker or ARB.
📚 Reference: Antihypertensive Titration
Water Intake & Lifestyle Modifications
16
What is the evidence for increased water intake in slowing ADPKD progression?
A) Strong evidence - reduces cyst growth significantly
B) Limited evidence - may help but not conclusively proven
C) No benefit - water intake doesn't affect progression
D) Harmful - increases cyst pressure
Correct Answer: B
Evidence Review: Theoretical benefit of suppressing vasopressin through high water intake. Small studies suggest possible benefit, but large RCTs are lacking. Generally recommended as low-risk intervention targeting 3-4L daily.
📚 Reference: Water Intake Research
Evidence Review: Theoretical benefit of suppressing vasopressin through high water intake. Small studies suggest possible benefit, but large RCTs are lacking. Generally recommended as low-risk intervention targeting 3-4L daily.
📚 Reference: Water Intake Research
17
What water intake recommendation should be given to this patient?
A) No specific recommendation needed
B) Target 3-4L daily, monitor for hyponatremia
C) Restrict to 2L daily to reduce cyst pressure
D) Only increase if developing kidney stones
Correct Answer: B
Practical Guidance: Target 3-4L daily water intake to suppress vasopressin. Monitor for hyponatremia, especially if on Tolvaptan. Current intake of 2-3 glasses is insufficient - needs significant increase.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Lifestyle Modifications
Practical Guidance: Target 3-4L daily water intake to suppress vasopressin. Monitor for hyponatremia, especially if on Tolvaptan. Current intake of 2-3 glasses is insufficient - needs significant increase.
📚 Reference: ADPKD Lifestyle Modifications
Cyst Complications Recognition & Management
18
What clinical features would suggest cyst hemorrhage in an ADPKD patient?
A) Acute flank pain, gross hematuria, stable hemoglobin
B) Fever, dysuria, and pyuria
C) Chronic dull ache and microscopic hematuria
D) Severe hypertension and proteinuria
Correct Answer: A
Clinical Recognition: Cyst hemorrhage presents with acute severe flank pain and gross hematuria. Usually self-limited. Hemoglobin may remain stable as bleeding is into cyst, not urinary tract. Conservative management unless massive bleeding.
📚 Reference: Cyst Complications
Clinical Recognition: Cyst hemorrhage presents with acute severe flank pain and gross hematuria. Usually self-limited. Hemoglobin may remain stable as bleeding is into cyst, not urinary tract. Conservative management unless massive bleeding.
📚 Reference: Cyst Complications
19
For suspected cyst infection, which antibiotic has the best cyst penetration?
A) Amoxicillin-clavulanate
B) Ciprofloxacin
C) Cephalexin
D) Nitrofurantoin
Correct Answer: B
Antibiotic Selection: Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) have excellent cyst penetration. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is alternative. Beta-lactams and nitrofurantoin have poor cyst penetration. Duration: 4-6 weeks typically needed.
📚 Reference: Cyst Infection Management
Antibiotic Selection: Fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) have excellent cyst penetration. Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole is alternative. Beta-lactams and nitrofurantoin have poor cyst penetration. Duration: 4-6 weeks typically needed.
📚 Reference: Cyst Infection Management
20
What findings would suggest cyst rupture rather than infection or hemorrhage?
A) Fever and elevated WBC count
B) Gross hematuria and flank pain
C) Sudden severe pain followed by rapid improvement
D) Progressive abdominal distension
Correct Answer: C
Clinical Pattern: Cyst rupture causes sudden, severe pain as cyst contents leak into surrounding tissue, followed by rapid pain improvement as pressure is relieved. May have brief hematuria. Usually self-resolves without specific treatment.
📚 Reference: Cyst Rupture Management
Clinical Pattern: Cyst rupture causes sudden, severe pain as cyst contents leak into surrounding tissue, followed by rapid pain improvement as pressure is relieved. May have brief hematuria. Usually self-resolves without specific treatment.
📚 Reference: Cyst Rupture Management
Transplant Evaluation & Planning
21
When should this patient be referred for transplant evaluation?
A) Now, since he has ADPKD diagnosis
B) When eGFR approaches 20-25 mL/min/1.73m²
C) Only when dialysis is needed
D) When symptoms become severe
Correct Answer: B
Timing Strategy: Transplant evaluation should begin when eGFR reaches 20-25 mL/min/1.73m² to allow time for workup and identify living donors. Current eGFR of 78 is too early for formal evaluation but patient education is appropriate.
📚 Reference: Transplant Referral Guidelines
Timing Strategy: Transplant evaluation should begin when eGFR reaches 20-25 mL/min/1.73m² to allow time for workup and identify living donors. Current eGFR of 78 is too early for formal evaluation but patient education is appropriate.
📚 Reference: Transplant Referral Guidelines
22
What unique consideration applies to kidney transplantation in ADPKD patients?
A) Higher rejection rates than other causes
B) May need nephrectomy before transplant (usually unilateral)
C) Cannot receive living donor kidneys
D) Worse outcomes than other kidney diseases
Correct Answer: B
Surgical Considerations: Large polycystic kidneys may need removal before transplant if causing mass effect, recurrent infections, or preventing transplant kidney placement. Usually UNILATERAL nephrectomy is performed to create space for transplant. Bilateral nephrectomy is rare and carries significant risk of severe hypotension requiring immediate transplantation.
📚 Reference: Pre-transplant Nephrectomy
Surgical Considerations: Large polycystic kidneys may need removal before transplant if causing mass effect, recurrent infections, or preventing transplant kidney placement. Usually UNILATERAL nephrectomy is performed to create space for transplant. Bilateral nephrectomy is rare and carries significant risk of severe hypotension requiring immediate transplantation.
📚 Reference: Pre-transplant Nephrectomy
Learning Objectives Assessment
Evaluate your mastery of the key learning objectives from this case
🎯 Learning Objective 1: ADPKD Diagnosis and Screening
Objective: Apply diagnostic criteria and implement family screening protocols for ADPKD
23
A 35-year-old woman with family history of ADPKD has 2 kidney cysts on ultrasound. What is the appropriate management?
A) Diagnose ADPKD and begin treatment
B) Repeat imaging in 3-5 years or consider genetic testing
C) Rule out ADPKD - insufficient cysts
D) Proceed directly to family screening
Correct Answer: B
Competency Demonstration: At age 30-39, need ≥3 cysts to diagnose ADPKD. With only 2 cysts, diagnosis is indeterminate. Options include repeat imaging in 3-5 years or genetic testing for family planning purposes.
📚 Master This: ADPKD Diagnostic Criteria
Competency Demonstration: At age 30-39, need ≥3 cysts to diagnose ADPKD. With only 2 cysts, diagnosis is indeterminate. Options include repeat imaging in 3-5 years or genetic testing for family planning purposes.
📚 Master This: ADPKD Diagnostic Criteria
🎯 Learning Objective 2: Treatment Decision-Making
Objective: Evaluate patients for Tolvaptan therapy and other interventions
24
Which patient would be the BEST candidate for Tolvaptan therapy?
A) 65-year-old with ADPKD, eGFR 20, stable function
B) 35-year-old with ADPKD, eGFR 60, TKV increasing 7% yearly
C) 45-year-old with ADPKD, eGFR 90, stable TKV
D) 28-year-old with simple kidney cysts, no family history
Correct Answer: B
Treatment Selection: Ideal Tolvaptan candidate: CKD stages 1-3, evidence of rapid progression (>5% TKV growth annually), younger age. Patient A has too advanced CKD, Patient C is stable, Patient D doesn't have ADPKD.
📚 Master This: Tolvaptan Patient Selection
Treatment Selection: Ideal Tolvaptan candidate: CKD stages 1-3, evidence of rapid progression (>5% TKV growth annually), younger age. Patient A has too advanced CKD, Patient C is stable, Patient D doesn't have ADPKD.
📚 Master This: Tolvaptan Patient Selection
Integration Challenge: Complex Case Synthesis
25
A 42-year-old ADPKD patient develops sudden severe headache and is found to have a 9mm intracranial aneurysm. He is also a candidate for Tolvaptan. What is the best management approach?
A) Start Tolvaptan first, then address aneurysm
B) Urgent neurosurgical evaluation; defer Tolvaptan until aneurysm addressed
C) Observe aneurysm, start Tolvaptan with close monitoring
D) Neither intervention - too high risk
Correct Answer: B
Priority Management: 9mm aneurysm with symptoms requires immediate neurosurgical evaluation and likely intervention. This is life-threatening and takes priority over ADPKD progression treatment. Tolvaptan can be started after aneurysm is secured.
📚 Integration: Complex ADPKD Management
Priority Management: 9mm aneurysm with symptoms requires immediate neurosurgical evaluation and likely intervention. This is life-threatening and takes priority over ADPKD progression treatment. Tolvaptan can be started after aneurysm is secured.
📚 Integration: Complex ADPKD Management
Case Reflection & Multi-Module Integration
🫘 Kidney Cysts & Masses Integration
- ADPKD pathophysiology and genetics
- Diagnostic criteria and imaging
- Complication management (infection, hemorrhage, rupture)
- Tolvaptan therapy indications and monitoring
🔬 Renal Imaging Integration
- Ultrasound screening protocols
- MRI for total kidney volume measurement
- Imaging criteria for diagnosis
- Aneurysm screening techniques
🩺 Hypertension Integration
- ADPKD-specific blood pressure targets
- ACE inhibitor optimization
- Cardiovascular risk reduction
- Renoprotective strategies
🫀 CKD Management Integration
- Progression monitoring and prediction
- Transplant referral timing
- Pre-transplant nephrectomy planning
- Family screening protocols
🎯 Key Integration Concepts
This case demonstrates the complexity of ADPKD management, requiring integration of genetics (family screening), imaging (diagnosis and monitoring), pharmacology (Tolvaptan and antihypertensives), surgery (aneurysm and transplant planning), and long-term care coordination. Successful management requires understanding how each intervention affects overall patient outcomes and quality of life.
📝 Case Summary & Clinical Pearls
This 40-year-old man with newly diagnosed ADPKD and hypertension represents a classic case requiring comprehensive evaluation including aneurysm screening, family counseling, treatment optimization, and long-term planning. His case illustrates the importance of early recognition, appropriate monitoring, and timely intervention in ADPKD management.
🔑 Key Clinical Pearls from This Case:
- Aneurysm Screening is Critical: New headaches in ADPKD require urgent MRA brain screening
- Aggressive BP Control: Target <110/75 mmHg in young ADPKD patients with preserved function
- Family Screening Protocols: Age-specific criteria for diagnosis; genetic counseling important
- Tolvaptan Requires Selection: Only for CKD stages 1-3 with rapid progression evidence
- Water Intake May Help: 3-4L daily recommended despite limited evidence
- Cyst Complications Need Recognition: Different presentations for infection, hemorrhage, rupture
- Early Transplant Planning: Referral at eGFR 20-25; may need native nephrectomy