Tubular basement membrane deposits after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background: Extraglomerular immune complex deposition is rare and only a few membranous nephropathy cases with tubular basement membrane deposits have been reported following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Case presentation: We reported a 56-year-old man with increased serum creatinine after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who underwent a renal biopsy. Tubular interstitial nephritis was identified on light microscope. The unique histologic features were diffuse tubular basement membrane immune complex deposition detected by both immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, while the glomerular involvement was inconspicuous. The differential diagnosis from other forms of tubular basement membrane deposition is discussed.

Conclusion: Diffuse granular tubular basement membrane immune complex deposition with minimal glomerular involvement is also a manifestation of renal complication in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipient. However, the exact mechanism and target antigen remains unknown.