An unusual case of anti-glomerular basement membrane disease presenting with nephrotic syndrome

Int Urol Nephrol. 2011 Dec;43(4):1249-53. doi: 10.1007/s11255-010-9862-0. Epub 2010 Nov 18.

Abstract

Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is a vasculitic disease characterized by acute kidney injury, oliguria, hematuria and proteinuria. Proteinuria is rarely in the nephrotic range. A case of anti-GBM disease with proteinuria of 22.5 g/day is discussed. Immunofluorescence showed strong linear IgG deposits while electron microscopy showed widespread visceral epithelial cell foot cell process effacement. No electron dense immune complex-type deposits were identified. Pathology findings were not suggestive of simultaneous presentation of anti-GBM disease and other diseases associated with nephrotic range proteinuria. Anti-GBM disease should be considered in a comprehensive differential diagnosis of severe proteinuria.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease / diagnosis
  • Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease / pathology*
  • Anti-Glomerular Basement Membrane Disease / therapy*
  • Female
  • Hematuria / etiology
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrotic Syndrome / etiology
  • Renal Dialysis