Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) often die from which condition?

1. Heart failure

2. Chronic kidney disease

3. Bone fractures

4. Berry aneurysms

The correct answer is: Berry aneurysms

Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) are at an increased risk of developing berry aneurysms, which are small, saccular outpouchings that occur more frequently in the cerebral arteries. These aneurysms are particularly concerning because they can lead to subarachnoid hemorrhages if they rupture, potentially resulting in severe neurological consequences or death. The association between ADPKD and berry aneurysms is well-established, as the underlying genetic mutations that cause ADPKD can also predispose patients to vascular abnormalities, including aneurysms. While chronic kidney disease is a significant concern for patients with ADPKD due to the progressive nature of the disease, it is not the most common cause of death in this population. Heart failure can occur, especially in those with long-standing hypertension or significant cardiac involvement; however, it does not reflect the primary mortality risk associated with ADPKD. Similarly, while bone fractures are a risk in some patients, particularly those with osteoporosis, they are not directly related to the condition itself and do not pose as significant a risk as ruptured aneurysms. Thus, the heightened risk of berry aneurysms and the potential for catastrophic hemorrhagic events make them