[Differential diagnosis of cystic kidney dysplasias].

Cystic kidney dysplasias (multicystic kidney disease) are differentiated from hyperplastic and ectatic cystic kidney diseases by means of pathogenesis in order to simplify the common classification. Six cases of cystic kidney dysplasia are reported (1 child and 5 adults) and in a review of the literature diagnostic and therapeutic strategies are discussed. A characteristic radiological sign is the clublike++ deformation of the rudimentary ureter. Nephrectomy is indicated in case of symptoms such as pain, hypertension or recurrent urinary tract infections or in case of atypical cysts with a risk of malignancy.