Cystic diseases of the kidney in children.

Many genetically determined cystic kidney disorders occur in children. Presenting manifestations related to the kidney include failure to thrive, abdominal enlargement or flank masses, progressive renal failure, or urinary tract infection. Radiological techniques often yield information helpful in establishing the type and extent of renal lesions. Cataloging the cystic renal disease in terms of genetic patterns, the involvement of liver or another organs, and the nature of the disorder of renal architecture is helpful in establishing the proper handling of affected children, and in genetic counseling.