The exact mechanism that triggers cyst formation is unknown. Cysts in the kidneys are often associated with aneurysms of the blood vessels in the brain. They may be associated with diverticula of the colon, and with cysts in the liver, pancreas, and testes . In early stages of the disease, the cysts enlarge the kidney and interfere with kidney function, resulting in chronic high blood pressure , anemia , and kidney infections. Bleeding into a cyst can cause flank pain .
Kidney stones are more common than in people without the disorder.
Hypertension caused by polycystic kidneys may be difficult to control. The disease is slowly progressive, eventually resulting in end-stage kidney failure . It is also associated with liver disease , including infection of liver cysts. If polycystic kidney disease appears in childhood, it tends to be very serious and progresses more rapidly, resulting in end-stage kidney failure and causing death in infancy or childhood. PCKD occurs in both children and adults, but it is much more common in adults, often not presenting symptoms until middle age.