Intracranial aneurysms in a child with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease

Abstract.

Intracranial aneurysms (ICA) are a well-known feature of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. There is only one report about ICA in an adult patient with autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). We observed a 2-year, 6-month old girl with ARPKD and multiple ICA. The family history is negative for kidney disease. The diagnosis of ARPKD was based on the typical findings in ultrasonography and computed tomography. Cystic ectasia of biliary ducts 6.3/4.8 cm in diameter was found in the liver. Arterial hypertension in a range of 140/100–170/120 mm Hg was registered. The child has polyuria, polydipsia and enuresis. Blood urea was 15 mmol/l, creatinine in a range of 120 to 75 µmol/l. One episode of vomiting, dizziness and lethargy was the reason for a brain magnetic resonance imaging. Multiple fusiform and saccular aneurysms in the branches of middle and posterior cerebral arteries were seen bilaterally. The girl is growing well without neurological symptoms during an observation period of 1.5 years. Blood pressure is well controlled with an ACE inhibitor (Enalapril 2.5 mg daily). It was concluded that ICA can be found in patients with ARPKD. Blood pressure control is essential to reduce the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.