Simple renal cysts.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the incidence of simple renal cyst, the relationship between both size and location of cysts, and the effect on calyces; and to correlate symptomatology and effect on the pelvicalyceal system. METHODS Abdominal ultrasound examination was performed in 2010 patients for different reasons. Simple renal cysts were demonstrated in 110 patients harbouring 198 cysts. The cysts were divided into 3 categories according to their size. The relation between the size of the cyst to the clinical symptoms and to the effect on the pelvicalyceal system is discussed. The clinical presentation in relation to effect on calyces is evaluated. RESULTS The male to female ratio was 1.4:1. The majority of the simple renal cysts were encountered in patients above the age of 50 years. However, the incidence of renal cysts in children in this series was 2% which is considered high as compared to other studies. Thick wall, marginal calcification of cysts and multilocularity, each was seen in 1% of the cases. Associated liver cysts was seen in 2% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS We can conclude that there is an important relationship between both size and location of cysts, and the effect on calyces; however, no noticeable correlation between symptomatology and effect on the pelvicalyceal system was observed.