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Tree-barking of the aorta

Before rupture occurs, infamous ‘tree bark’ grooves appear on the inner layer of the aorta.

Idiopathic cardiomyopathy

Polycystic kidney disease

A cystic genetic disorder of the kidneys (found with both dominant and recessive inheritance patterns). The cysts are numerous and are fluid-filled, resulting in massive enlargement of the kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and in rare cases, the heart and brain. It is one of the most common life-threatening genetic diseases, affecting an estimated 12.5 million people worldwide.

There is currently no cure so the goal of treatment is to:

try to control blood pressure with medication

relieve any symptoms of pain with painkillers

treat any urinary tract infection with antibiotics

If kidney failure does occur, there are two possible treatments:

dialysis – where a machine is used to replicate the functions of the kidney

Henri Cartier-Bresson

View from Notre Dame