Medullary sponge kidney

The natural history of medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is thought to be benign. Many patients remain asymptomatic for life. However, for some patients renal stones or infection may complicate the condition. Patients with urinary tract infections may have recurrences, and those with nephrolithiasis may have recurrent stones because of the anatomical abnormality in MSK, as well as other risk factors. Haematuria as a result of stones may persist. Patients with complications may require repeated admissions to hospital, urological procedures, and, rarely, nephrectomy, and may have chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease.