Patient Case Study: Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease + Gastric Mass

We’re highlighting compelling patient stories that reveal the value of proactive healthcare and whole-body MRI (WB-MRI). These cases demonstrate how advanced imaging can uncover significant health insights, even in asymptomatic individuals, allowing for timely intervention and better outcomes.

Our latest case features a 68-year-old female whose screening WB-MRI uncovered polycystic liver disease—a variant of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD)—and a small gastric mass suggestive of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

Here’s the full story...

Patient History

• A 68-year-old female underwent screening WB-MRI without reporting specific concerns or relevant medical history.

Findings

• Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease: Polycystic liver disease (PLD) was noted, with more extensive involvement than the kidneys, suspicious for a liver predominant variant of hereditary autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
• Small Gastric Mass: A small mass centered within the gastric wall was detected, with imaging features favoring a gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).

How the Prenuvo Scan Impacted Patient Care

This WB-MRI highlights the value of screening in uncovering asymptomatic, clinically significant conditions spanning multiple organ systems:

• Polycystic Liver and Kidney Disease (PLD and PKD): The prevalence of ADPKD is estimated at 1 in 1,000 individuals. Early detection allows for preventive care, including specialist referrals to monitor organ function, manage complications, and adopt lifestyle changes to preserve health. Genetic-testing and counseling could be of value for potentially affected family members if hereditary ADPKD is confirmed.
• Small Gastric Mass compatible with GIST: GISTs are rare mesenchymal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract, with an annual incidence of about 10-15 per million population, commonly occurring in the stomach (60-70% of cases). Early detection of GISTs is crucial, as size and rate of cell division are key prognostic factors.
• The likely GIST was identified before symptoms or progression, enabling timely endoscopic evaluation, biopsy, and potential treatment or active monitoring to enable patient-specific optimal outcomes.

Key Benefits of WB-MRI in This Case

1. Multi-System Detection: Simultaneous identification of liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal conditions underscores WB-MRI’s comprehensive screening capabilities.
2. Proactive Care and Minimizing Morbidity: Early findings enable preventive care to reduce complications like renal failure or malignant transformation.

This case underscores how WB-MRI can serve as a powerful diagnostic tool, identifying both systemic and focal pathologies, enabling proactive, life-preserving care for asymptomatic individuals.

We’re continually inspired by the incredible impact proactive imaging has on patient care. Stay tuned for more real-life cases highlighting how WB-MRI transforms healthcare.

References:

Norcia LF, Watanabe EM, Hamamoto Filho PT, et al. Polycystic liver disease: pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Hepat Med. 2022;14:135-161. doi:10.2147/HMER.S377530.

Khan J, Ullah A, Waheed A, et al. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST): a population-based study using the SEER database, including management and recent advances in targeted therapy. Cancers (Basel). 2022;14(15):3689. doi: 10.3390/cancers14153689.