Contributor: Gordon K. Klintworth
Acquired renal cystic disease is one type of cystic kidney [cyst - kidney]. This kidney disease, which is characterized by numerous cysts in the renal cortex and renal medulla, occurs spontaneously and is non-familial. The cysts contain clear fluid often in association with oxalate crystals. The condition is usually asynptmatic and the end-stage in kidneys with other diseases that have have been treated with prolonged dialysis. Renal cell carcinoma [carcinoma - kidney] may develop in the walls of the cysts.