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AMBOSS Articles/ Internal Medicine > Nephrology > Renal Cystic Diaseases, Stones, and Obstruction

Renal Cysts

Renal cysts are sacs of fluid that form in the kidneys, either as a single cyst or multiple cysts. They are categorized as simple or complex. Simple cysts are the most common renal masses, consisting of a thin wall surrounding water-like fluid, and are usually asymptomatic. Complex cysts are septated and/or enhanced on imaging, with solid material inside. They may manifest with pain, fever, and hematuria, and should raise suspicion of malignancy. Cysts can be diagnosed via imaging such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI, and are usually incidental findings. In most cases, treatment is unnecessary. Indications for surgery include symptomatic cysts or cysts that carry a risk of complications. Complex cysts require follow-up and must be removed if renal cell carcinoma is suspected. Possible complications include cyst rupture, infection, and compression of an adjacent structure (e.g., the ureter).

  • Sacs of fluid that form in the kidneys
  • Solitary or multiple renal cysts
Overview of renal cysts
Simple cysts Complex cysts
Description
  • Very common in the general population
  • Most common renal masses [1]
  • Thin wall and only water-like fluid inside
  • Should raise suspicion of kidney cancer until proven otherwise
  • Thicker wall and solid material inside
Clinical features
  • Usually asymptomatic
  • In the case of enlargement:
    • Dull pain (back, side, or upper abdomen)
    • Changes in urinary habits (e.g., impaired urinary flow)
  • Fever
  • Pain
  • Hematuria
Diagnostics
  • Usually a benign, incidental finding during CT or ultrasound examinations
  • Round or oval anechoic cysts (filled with ultrafiltrate)
  • Dorsal sound amplification
    • Minor reduction in sound wave intensity in homogeneous, clear liquids as there is no refraction (i.e., the content of the cyst is anechoic)
    • On the dorsal side of the cysts, the undiminished sound wave results in higher contrast compared to the neighboring tissue (i.e., dorsal sound amplification).
  • Septated and/or enhanced
  • Internal echoes (indicating solid material inside the cyst)
  • Poorly delimited/thickened cyst walls

Bosniak classification of renal cysts [2][3]
Class Findings on contrast-enhanced CT scan Likelihood of malignancy Management
I
  • Simple cyst: hypodense, thin wall, no septa, no solid components
  • No contrast enhancement
  • Very low
  • No follow-up required
II
  • Mostly thin wall, few septa, fine calcifications in the wall or septa
  • Nonenhancing lesion
  • Low
  • Small (< 3 cm) homogeneously hyperdense simple cyst (thin wall, no septa, no solid components)
  • Nonenhancing lesion
II-F
  • Not clearly categorized as class II or III
    • Many thin septa (enhancing or nonenhancing)
    • Coarse calcifications in wall or septa without clear enhancement
    • Large (> 3 cm) homogeneously hyperdense nonenhancing cyst
  • Unclear significance
  • Follow-up to assess for changes
III
  • Irregular and/or thick septa and wall segments, coarse calcifications
  • Contrast enhancement
  • High
  • Surgery is recommended.
IV
  • Clearly defined soft lesions in wall or septa
  • Enhancing cyst
  • Very high

  • Not indicated in most cases
  • Indication for surgery: symptomatic cysts (e.g., impaired urinary flow, pain, bleeding) or risk of further complications (e.g., infection, malignancy)
  • Complex cysts require follow-up and must be removed if renal cell carcinoma is suspected (e.g., due to changes in echogenicity or shape).

Complications are rare.

  • Cyst rupture
  • Cyst infection
  • Compression of adjacent tissue (e.g., of the ureter causing impaired urinary flow)

We list the most important complications. The selection is not exhaustive.