Polycystic kidney disease: earlier diagnosis using ultrasound.

A unique family study is presented, representing 124 members in four generations. Sixty-four patients were studied clinically, and 31 were found to have sonographic evidence of polycystic kidney disease. Findings on intravenous urography were positive in only 15 of these 31. Ultrasound is particularly useful in younger patients in whom urinary symptoms and physical and urographic abnormalities are infrequent. The merits of early diagnosis of this disease in persons at risk are discussed. Ultrasound offers definite advantages over standard urographic and isotopic methods in the early diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease.