A case report and literature review of IgA nephropathy presenting as nephrotic syndrome in polycythemia vera

CEN Case Rep. 2024 Dec;13(6):495-498. doi: 10.1007/s13730-024-00879-x. Epub 2024 Apr 21.

Abstract

A 66-year-old non-smoker presented with a 2-week history of new-onset pedal oedema and gross haematuria. On evaluation, he was found to be hypertensive and oedematous with a haemoglobin of 19.1 g/dl, platelet count of 546,000/mm3, and creatinine of 2.6 mg/dl. Urine examination revealed abundant RBCs with 3+ albumin on three separate occasions. His 24-h urine protein level was 3830 mg/day, with a serum cholesterol level of 303 mg/dl. Secondary erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis tests were negative. Bone marrow examination revealed hypercellularity, erythroid hyperplasia, tight clusters of large megakaryocytes, and megakaryocytic hyperplasia suggestive of polycythemia vera. PCR analysis revealed a JAK2V617 F (exon 14) mutation. In view of nephrotic syndrome, azotemia, and microscopic haematuria, a renal biopsy was performed, which revealed features of IgA nephropathy with advanced interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. He was started on angiotensin receptor blockers with hydroxy urea as a part of treatment. This case report highlights the association of glomerular disease with polycythaemia vera and the need of prompt renal biopsy for diagnosis and management.

Keywords: Glomerular disease; IgA nephropathy; Nephrotic syndrome; Polycythemia vera.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Biopsy
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA* / complications
  • Glomerulonephritis, IGA* / diagnosis
  • Hematuria / diagnosis
  • Hematuria / etiology
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / therapeutic use
  • Janus Kinase 2 / genetics
  • Kidney / pathology
  • Male
  • Mutation
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / complications
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / etiology
  • Polycythemia Vera* / complications
  • Polycythemia Vera* / diagnosis

Substances

  • Janus Kinase 2
  • Hydroxyurea
  • Angiotensin Receptor Antagonists
  • JAK2 protein, human