Poliquistosis del seno renal o hilioquistosis. Controversias, retos e historia de un descubrimiento compartido

Abstract

ObjectiveTo recall the history of the discovery of non-nephron cystic disease, detected simultaneously in 2 hospitals in Madrid, and the vicissitudes that the authors endured during the process of recognising this disease, while being ignored by the international scientific literature. Material and methodWe analysed the authors’ first publications and presentations, their correspondence relaying the difficulties in reporting the confusion with adult polycystic kidney disease (APKD) and the subsequent nosological identification of the process. We consulted with individuals who worked with the 2 authors to increase the accuracy and objectivity of the history report. ResultsWe confirmed the authors’ remarkable efforts in getting the process definitively recognised despite the notable difficulties. ConclusionsRigorous clinical observation recognises processes ignored by the medical literature, and the correct application of the scientific method helps identify and reveal new nosological entities, confirming with this story's example that, in medicine, there are no exhausted issues.