Association of simple renal cysts and chronic kidney disease with large abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) primarily affect men over 65 years old who often have many other diseases, with similar risk factors and pathobiological mechanisms to AAA. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of simple renal cysts (SRC), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and other kidney diseases (e.g. nephrolithiasis) among patients presenting with AAA. Methods: Two groups of patients (97 AAA and 100 controls), with and without AAA, from the Surgical Clinic Charité, Berlin, Germany, were selected for the study. The control group consisted of patients who were evaluated for a kidney donation (n = 14) and patients who were evaluated for an early detection of a melanoma recurrence (n = 86). The AAA and control groups were matched for age and sex. Medical records were analyzed and computed tomography scans were reviewed for the presence of SRC and nephrolithiasis. Results: SRC (74% vs. 57%; p<0.016) and CKD (30% vs. 8%; p<0.001) were both more common among AAA than control group patients. On multivariate analysis, CKD, but not SRC, showed a strong association with AAA. Conclusions: Knowledge about pathobiological mechanisms and association between CKD and AAA could provide better diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for these patients.

FOXD1 is required for 3D patterning of the kidney interstitial matrix

“…3 Clinical correlates suggest the interstitial matrix is critical for kidney development because patients with connective tissue disorders have increased kidney cysts and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract. [5][6][7][8] Stromal cells are responsible for synthesizing the interstitial ECM, and are identified by the expression of various transcription factors, including Forkhead Box D1 (Foxd1). 9 During kidney development, stromal cells surround the ureteric bud and metanephric mesenchyme that eventually form the collecting duct system.…”

“…Additionally, distinct ECM proteins are enriched at developing timepoints relative to adult, which may have unique functions 3 . Clinical correlates suggest the interstitial matrix is critical for kidney development because patients with connective tissue disorders have increased kidney cysts and congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract 5‐8 …”