Medullary Sponge Kidney
Kidney Health Care - David Mangusan Jr., PTRP
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Description
Medullary sponge kidney, or MSK, is a birth defect that affects the kidney tubules. The tubules are tiny tubes located inside the kidneys. Normally, urine flows through these tiny tubes as it is being formed. However, in MSK, cysts (tiny sacs) form in the medulla of the kidney, creating a sponge-like appearance. The medulla, also called renal medulla, is the inner part of the kidney. The cysts can compress the tubules, which keep urine from flowing freely. If urine is blocked, urinary tract infections (UTIs and kidney stones may develop).
Although MSK is present at birth, most cases do not seem to be inherited. MSK can cause problems such as hematuria, kidney stones, and UTIs. These problems do not usually appear until the ages of 30 to 40. This condition rarely leads to more serious problems such as total kidney failure.
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