RESUMO
Many diseases can be associated with kidney cysts and they may be classified as hereditary and non-hereditary renal cystic disease. The first group can be sub-classified as autosomal recessive cystic disease, such as autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease and nephronophthisis, as autosomal dominant kidney disease such as autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, glomerulocystic disease and tuberous sclerosis, and as cysts associated with syndromes. Cystic dysplasia, multicystic dysplastic kidney, simple cyst, multilocular cysts, Wilm's tumor and acquired cystic kidney disease are classified in the second group. The genetic study of renal cysts is becoming increasingly important, due to the possible therapeutic interventions that could be devised in the future. The aim of this review is to provide a fast and easy clinical approach to renal cystc.