EARLY DETECTION OF RENAL CYST ON ULTRASONOGRAPHY AND THEIR ASSOCIATED RISK FACTORS

Background: Renal cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop within or on the kidneys, often detected incidentally during routine ultrasonographic examinations. Although usually benign, renal cysts can be associated with systemic conditions and contribute to renal dysfunction in certain cases. Identifying their prevalence and associated risk factors is essential for early diagnosis and management. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and age-related changes have been recognized as potential contributors to renal cyst development, yet their exact epidemiological burden varies across different populations. Objective: To determine the prevalence of renal cysts in patients undergoing ultrasound evaluation and to assess their associated risk factors. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the Institute of Kidney Diseases, Peshawar, Pakistan, on 344 patients referred for renal ultrasound. Convenience sampling was applied. Patients of all ages and genders were included, while those with congenital anomalies, unilateral nephrectomy, or kidney transplants were excluded. Data were collected through a pre-structured questionnaire, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including chi-square tests and binary logistic regression, were applied to determine associations. Results: Renal cysts were present in 23.8% of cases. Simple cysts were the most common type (89%), while complex and other cyst types accounted for 9.6%. Females had a higher prevalence (52.3%) than males (30.3%) (P=0.034). The left kidney was more frequently affected (52%) than the right (34%), with bilateral involvement in 14%. Cyst location was predominantly cortical (84%), followed by medullary (4.8%), renal pelvis (8.5%), and polycystic (1.2%). Solitary cysts were most common (64.6%), while double (8.5%) and multiple cysts (25.6%) were less frequent. Hypertension (P=0.000, OR=2.969) and diabetes mellitus (P=0.007, OR=2.519) were significant risk factors. Conclusion: Simple renal cysts were the most frequently detected type, with a higher prevalence in females. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal stone history were strongly associated with cyst development. Ultrasound plays a crucial role in early detection, guiding appropriate management to prevent complications such as chronic kidney disease.