Medullary sponge kidney
MONDO:0015268Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a birth defect of the tubules - tiny tubes inside the kidneys. In a normal kidney, urine flows through these tubules as it is being formed. In MSK, tiny sacs called cysts form in the medulla (the inner part of the kidney), creating a sponge-like appearance. The cysts keep urine from flowing freely through the tubules. MSK is present at birth but symptoms typically do not occur until adolescence or adulthood. Problems caused by MSK include blood in the urine, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. MSK rarely leads to more serious problems, such as total kidney failure. There is no cure for this condition, so treatment is aimed at removing kidney stones and treating urinary tract infections with antibiotics.
Also known as: Cacchi-Ricci disease, MSK, Precalicial canalicular ectasia, Cacchi Ricci disease, Cacchi-Ricci syndrome, Precalyceal canalicular ectasia, cystic dilatation of renal collecting tubes, sponge kidney
12 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types.
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Sweat sensor could replace needles for kidney patients
Diagnosis CompletedThis study tested a new wearable patch that collects sweat to measure sodium and creatinine levels, which are important for monitoring kidney health and dehydration. Five adults with kidney disease wore the patch while their sweat was analyzed using a special light-based techniqu…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Korea University • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:11 UTC
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New MRI technique could shed light on rare kidney disease
Knowledge-focused CompletedThis study tested whether a special type of MRI can detect early changes in the kidneys of people with medullary sponge kidney, a rare condition that can cause kidney stones. Researchers compared MRI scans from 33 adults with the disease to scans from healthy controls. The goal w…
Phase: NA • Sponsor: Hospices Civils de Lyon • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:02 UTC