Kidney and Urinary Tract 2025

“The Patient Puzzle: Diagnosing Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease” - Team 2

Media Type: Presentation

Summary

The kidney is an organ responsible for a diverse array of functions in the human body, including blood filtration, waste excretion, and maintaining homeostasis. In high-income countries, chronic kidney disease is becoming increasingly prevalent, posing a significant challenge to healthcare systems by contributing to rising morbidity and a reduced quality of life. One of the causes of chronic kidney disease is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), which is a genetic condition characterised by the formation of cysts on the kidney that progressively enlarge over time. Long-term consequences of ADPKD include high blood pressure, cyst expansion into other organs, recurrent episodes of pain, and eventual kidney failure. While there is no cure for ADPKD, medications, lifestyle changes, and dialysis can prolong a patient's lifespan.

This PULSE assignment presents the content in a case-study format, guiding the reader through the patient’s journey, from initial signs and symptoms in the emergency room to diagnosis and discharge. By placing the reader in the perspective of a fourth-year medical resident, the assignment creates a more immersive learning experience, allowing readers to explore the application of diagnostic tools taught in lecture under a real-world setting. The use of Google Slides further enhances engagement, as readers piece together clues slide by slide to unravel the final diagnosis.

As rates of chronic diseases rise in Canada, raising awareness of their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is more important than ever. Even in cases where development of disease is beyond an individual’s control, such as ADPKD, early symptom detection and lifestyle modifications can enable these patients to live a relatively long and normal life. By equipping the public with accurate knowledge in a fun and accessible manner, we aim to empower individuals to make informed, proactive choices that support their long-term health and well-being.

Keywords: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease, Renal Disease, Case Study, Kidney Pathology, Genetic Disease, Diagnostic Tools