Development of IgA nephritis following cat scratch disease in a 13-year-old boy

Pediatr Nephrol. 2004 Jun;19(6):682-4. doi: 10.1007/s00467-004-1432-1. Epub 2004 Mar 11.

Abstract

We describe a 13-year-old boy who presented with hematuria and intermittent low-grade proteinuria at the time when he was diagnosed with cat scratch disease. Two months before presentation, he had a negative urinalysis during a routine physical evaluation. He continued to have microscopic hematuria for the next 6 months, when he developed gross hematuria and recurrence of low-grade proteinuria. The renal biopsy showed evidence of mild/moderate IgA nephropathy. We speculate that the immunological changes associated with cat scratch disease in this patient may have triggered the development of IgA nephropathy. A history or serological evidence of infection with Bartonella henselae may need to be sought in patients presenting with IgA nephritis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / complications*
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / pathology
  • Cat-Scratch Disease / physiopathology
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / etiology*
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / pathology
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA / physiopathology
  • Hematuria / etiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Kidney / ultrastructure
  • Male
  • Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
  • Proteinuria / etiology