Polycystic kidney in adults is a congenital genetic disorder that is inherited. Its etiology is related to genetic mutations. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney, once known as adult-onset polycystic kidney disease, is the most common polycystic kidney disease with genetic heterogeneity. The main cause of adult polycystic kidney is gene mutation, and most of the abnormal genes are inherited from parents, while a small number of patients have abnormal genes that lead to spontaneous development. In addition, inflammation has been found to play a very important role in the development of chromosomally dominant polycystic kidney. The diagnosis of polycystic kidney relies on family history as well as imaging tests, and genetic testing is needed when necessary. Treatment is based on medication, which mainly controls blood pressure and treats various complications, such as infection and bleeding. Currently, tolvaptan can be used as an adjunctive treatment for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and slow down the progression of the disease. It is recommended that patients with polycystic kidney disease go to regular hospitals in time and follow the doctor’s instructions for standardized treatment to slow down the progress of the disease.