Tubulointerstitial macrophage infiltration in a patient with hypokalemic nephropathy and primary Sjögren's syndrome

Clin Nephrol. 2005 Nov;64(5):387-90. doi: 10.5414/cnp64387.

Abstract

We report a case of hypokalemic nephropathy associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). The patient presented with profound and persistent hypokalemia secondary to distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA). A renal biopsy exhibited tubular degeneration, marked interstitial fibrosis and intense macrophage infiltration. Hypokalemia has been reported to induce macrophage infiltration in experimental animal models but not in humans. This is the first report of intense tubulointerstitial macrophage infiltration in a patient with hypokalemic nephropathy associated with SS.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypokalemia / complications*
  • Hypokalemia / immunology*
  • Kidney Diseases / complications*
  • Kidney Diseases / immunology*
  • Kidney Tubules / immunology*
  • Kidney Tubules / pathology*
  • Macrophages*
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / complications*