RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical course of multicystic dysplastic kidney (MCDK) and to reveal any criteria indicating spontaneous involution. MATERIAL METHODS: Hospital records of patients with MCDK followed in two different institutions in 1994-2009 were reviewed and data were analyzed regarding involution. RESULTS: Records of 96 patients were reviewed, of whom 46 were diagnosed antenatally and followed for more than 1 year. Fourteen patients had undergone nephrectomy. There was one case of hypertension which resided with nephrectomy. There was no malignancy. Involution rate was 53.6% (15/28) for right-sided and only 16.7% (3/18) for left-sided kidneys. The initial size of the kidney was found to be another predictive parameter for involution. Initial sizes of 43 (15 involuted and 28 non-involuted) kidneys were documented. Mean standard deviation score for involuting and non-involuting kidneys was -3.19 and 3.12, respectively. The chance of involution for a large kidney on the left was zero; however, involution risk for a small right-sided kidney was 67%. CONCLUSION: Reviewing a 15-year period of our patient records conveyed data supporting current literature mainly encouraging non-operative management of MCDK. Further studies are required; however, our two objective indicators, the initial size and side of dysplastic kidney, may contribute to the management.