25 June 2026
: Case report
[In Press] Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Presenting as a Painless Epigastric Mass: A Case Report
Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis
Tajul Atiqah Zaulkafali1ABCDEF, Aiza Nur Izdihar Zainal-AbidinDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.952751
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.952751
Available online: 2026-06-25, In Press, Corrected Proof
Publication in the "In-Press" formula aims at speeding up the public availability of the pending manuscript while waiting for the final publication. The assigned DOI number is active and citable. The availability of the article in the Medline, PubMed and PMC databases as well as Web of Science will be obtained after the final publication according to the journal schedule
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the most common inherited renal disorder, typically presenting with hypertension, hematuria, or progressive renal dysfunction. However, it can have a broad range of initial presentations and, in uncommon cases, may mimic other abdominal disorders. This report presents a case of ADPKD manifesting as an epigastric mass in a patient without a family history, highlighting its importance in the differential diagnosis of upper abdominal masses.
CASE REPORT
A 62-year-old woman presented to our primary care clinic with a 5-day history of a painless epigastric mass and right hypochondriac pain. She had hypertension and dyslipidemia, without a known family history of ADPKD. On examination, a firm mass was palpable in the epigastrium, accompanied by hepatomegaly. Laboratory investigations revealed mild renal insufficiency, microscopic hematuria, and proteinuria. The patient underwent abdominal ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced computed tomography, which demonstrated multiple cysts in both kidneys and the liver, consistent with ADPKD. She was evaluated by the hepatobiliary surgery team, who recommended symptomatic management. She was also assessed by the nephrology team; further evaluation for associated complications, including mitral valve prolapse and intracranial aneurysms, yielded normal findings. She continues regular follow-up with the primary care and nephrology teams for blood pressure optimization and renal function monitoring.
CONCLUSIONS
This case highlights the need to consider ADPKD in patients who present with upper abdominal masses. Early imaging and a multidisciplinary evaluation are essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis and ensuring appropriate management, particularly in patients without a clear family history.
Keywords: Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease; Case Reports; Hepatomegaly; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Ultrasonography
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