Bilateral Renal Dysplasia — A Cause of Chronic Renal Failure

Abstract

Developmental disorders of the kidneys are one of the many causes of chronic renal failure (CRF). Among them renal dysplasia, defined as abnormal metanephric differentiation, plays an important role. It can be recognised histologically by the presence of primitive collecting ducts and focal cartilaginous metaplasia. In severe cases microcysts or macrocysts can be present. Dys- plastic changes are often focal, may be unilateral or bilateral, and can appear in a solitary kidney. Bilateral renal dysplasia can be accompanied by urinary tract malformations (1, 3, 4, 6, 7). The clinical significance of renal dysplasia lies in the reduced functional capacity of the affected kidney, the increased susceptibility to bacterial infection, and the associated hypertension.