A giant left renal cyst presenting as obesity: a unique presentation.

OBJECTIVE

Benign renal cysts are commonly found in adult patients. However, giant renal cysts measuring more than 15 cm in greatest diameter or containing more than 1500 cc of fluid are rarely seen. A giant renal cyst presenting as obesity, a unique form of presentation, is described herein.

RESULTS

We report the unique case of 78-year-old male who was diagnosed with a 25 cm left renal cyst after presenting solely with diffuse progressive abdominal distention. He had no other signs or symptoms and had been followed at our institution for seven years with a diagnosis of obesity. The patient was effectively treated by open renal cyst decortication.

CONCLUSIONS

Giant renal cyst measuring > or = 15 cm or containing more than 1500 cc of fluid rarely occur. This case is unique in that unlike other adult patients, this patient presented with no sign or symptom other than diffuse, nonlateralizing, abdominal distension.