What is polycystic kidney disease?

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is indeed a genetic disorder characterized by the development of numerous fluid-filled cysts in the kidneys. These cysts can significantly disrupt the normal structure and function of the kidneys, leading to various complications including kidney enlargement, renal insufficiency, and hypertension. The genetic basis of PKD is crucial to understanding the condition, as it is usually inherited in an autosomal dominant or autosomal recessive pattern.

This understanding distinguishes PKD from other renal conditions. For example, conditions caused by excessive hydration would not lead to cystic formation, while autoimmune diseases typically involve immune system dysregulation rather than cyst development. Infectious processes, although they can lead to kidney damage, are fundamentally different from the hereditary mechanisms involved in PKD. Thus, the recognition of PKD as a genetic disorder with cyst formation is what makes the correct answer relevant and accurate.