Polycystic Kidney Disease(PKD) is a genetic disorder that affects the kidneys. Researchers have found three different gene mutations associated with the disease. In most cases, a person inherits the gene mutation, meaning a parent passes it on in his or her genes. In other cases, neither parent has the gene and the disease is considered spontaneous. Polycystic kidney disease causes numerous cysts to grow in the kidneys. A kidney cyst is an abnormal sac filled with fluid. The cysts can greatly enlarge the kidneys while replacing much of their normal structure, resulting in chronic kidney disease. Although kidneys usually are the most affected, polycystic kidney disease can cause cysts to develop in your liver and elsewhere in your body. The
