What Does A Small Cyst In Kidney Indicate?

Posted on Fri, 12 Sep 2014

Question: My 12 year old son was diagnosed by ultrasound with a small cyst on his right inferior kidney. His blood work shows a drasticly low iron and vitamin D deficiency. He has a history of UTI's and urinalasys shows blood and protien in his urine.....is the cyst cause for major concern? ?? How is it treated???? Is there a genetic disorder that could be causing all this??

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Benign Cyst

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

Many individuals will be born with cysts in the kidney and not all of them are of concern. Urine can show protein and blood when there is an active urinary tract infection.

Here is how to go about it

1. Small cyst is not of major concern. However it will require regular follow up
2. Urinary tract infection is treated with antibiotics. Get a urine culture done to know which organism is growing and get treated accordingly
3. Urinary tract infections are rare in males. I advice you to get micturating cystourethrogram to rule out reflux ( a condition where urine refluxing in the urinary system)
4. Get routine blood test like complete blood count, renal function test, calcium, phosphorus, uric acid.
5. Take an appointment with a nephrologist as soon as possible
6. A genetic disorder called autosomal polycystic disease exists but your grandson is too small to tell for sure it is ADPKD. Once has to observe for development of more cysts as he grows older

I hope I was of help, if you have further queries please get back to me

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (1 hour later)

He has been referred to a urologist, should he see a nephrologist instead? ?? They did a cbc, calcium was normal, but iron and vitamin D were extremely low, can this be linked to kidney dysfunction? ?? They ruled out uti this time as cause of blood and protein in urine, so it may be cyst related.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Follow up

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

I would recommend a Nephrologist instead if the urologist. Low VItamin D and Iron does indicate kidney issues however to know for sure I suggest you to get a renal function test and uric acid.
Repeat the urine routine and culture once the course of antibiotic is over.

I hope I was of help, please get back to me if you have any further queries I will be happy to get back to you.

Regards

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar