In polycystic kidney disease, which physical examination finding is commonly observed?

In polycystic kidney disease, which physical examination finding is commonly observed?

• A. Hepatic cysts
• B. Cerebral berry aneurysms
• C. MVP
• D. Palpable flank mass

Answer: (D)

Polycystic kidney disease causes kidneys to become large due to multiple cysts, and these enlarged kidneys can often be felt during a physical exam as a palpable flank mass. While hepatic cysts and cerebral berry aneurysms can occur outside the kidneys, they aren’t typically detected as a palpable abdominal finding, and mitral valve prolapse isn’t a characteristic association. So, the palpable flank mass is the most commonly observed physical finding.

Polycystic kidney disease causes kidneys to become large due to multiple cysts, and these enlarged kidneys can often be felt during a physical exam as a palpable flank mass. While hepatic cysts and cerebral berry aneurysms can occur outside the kidneys, they aren’t typically detected as a palpable abdominal finding, and mitral valve prolapse isn’t a characteristic association. So, the palpable flank mass is the most commonly observed physical finding.