FREQUENCY AND ULTRASONOGRAPHIC FINDINGS OF POLYCYSTIC KIDNEY DISEASE AMONG PATIENTS UNDERGOING ABDOMINAL ULTRASONOGRAPHY: A DESCRIPTIVE CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Abstract

Background: Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common inherited renal disorder causing progressive cystic enlargement and renal dysfunction. Ultrasonography is a practical, non-invasive tool for its early detection, monitoring, and differentiation from other cystic kidney diseases.To determine the frequency of PKD and evaluate its ultrasonographic findings among patients undergoing abdominal ultrasound examinations. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over four months at Lady Reading Hospital, Peshawar. Ninety-three patients undergoing abdominal ultrasonography were enrolled through convenient sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire together with ultrasonographic findings. Patients with indeterminate PKD, kidney transplant, or prior kidney surgery were excluded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: Of 93 participants, 72 (77.4%) were diagnosed with PKD on ultrasonography, while 21 (22.6%) had normal findings. Bilateral renal involvement was the most common pattern (24.7%), followed by right-sided (40.9%) and left-sided (14.0%) involvement. A positive family history of kidney disease was reported more frequently among hypertensive participants than non-hypertensive participants. Conclusion: PKD was identified in a substantial proportion of patients undergoing abdominal ultrasonography, with bilateral renal involvement predominating. Family history and hypertension were important associated factors. Ultrasonography remains an effective, accessible tool for the early detection of PKD.

Keywords: Polycystic Kidney Disease; Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease; Ultrasonography; Abdominal Ultrasound; Renal Cysts; Renal Imaging.