Which condition often presents as bilateral enlarged kidneys with randomly distributed cortical cysts?

Adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) is characterized by the development of numerous cysts in the kidneys that can cause bilateral enlargement. This genetic condition often manifests with multiple cysts that are typically located in the renal cortex, leading to a distinctive appearance on ultrasound and other imaging modalities.

In APKD, the cysts vary in size and are distributed randomly throughout the renal parenchyma. Over time, they can lead to complications such as hypertension, renal insufficiency, and other systemic manifestations. The enlargement of the kidneys is often noticeable, and imaging studies will commonly reveal these multiple, fluid-filled cysts.

This recognition of the condition is essential for diagnosis and management, as it helps differentiate APKD from other renal diseases, including typical findings seen in acute tubular necrosis or nephrolithiasis, which do not typically result in the same bilateral enlargement with cyst formation.