Open AccessAcute tubulointerstitial nephritis with germinal centers in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis
Author(s) -
Zi-Shan Lin,
Xiaoling Liu,
Zhao Cui,
Suxia Wang,
Feng Yu,
Fu-de Zhou,
MingHui Zhao
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.59
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1536-5964
pISSN - 0025-7974
DOI - 10.1097/md.0000000000018178
Subject(s) - medicine , anti neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody , rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis , vasculitis , methylprednisolone , rituximab , pathology , prednisolone , plasmapheresis , renal biopsy , anuria , nephritis , glomerulonephritis , antibody , acute kidney injury , gastroenterology , biopsy , kidney , immunology , disease
Rationale: Occasionally, tubulointerstitial lesions can be found in antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV). However, significantly isolated tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) with germinal centers is rare. Patient concerns: A 17-year-old Chinese Han patient showed rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, anuria, and serum creatinine of 19.4 mg/dL. Diagnosis: He had positive ANCA targeting myeloperoxidase (55.0 RU/mL). The renal biopsy showed crescent formation in 100% of glomeruli. Of special note, the glomerular crescents were surrounded by granulomatous inflammation, extensive tubular destruction or disappearance, and massive interstitial infiltration. A diagnosis of AAV was thus made with the involved organ restricted to the kidney. Interventions: The patient underwent 7 rounds of plasmapheresis, 3 pulses of methylprednisolone therapy (500 mg per pulse), and oral prednisolone (50 mg/d). Rituximab (500 mg) was used after the plasma exchange treatment. Outcomes: ANCA was negative, while anti-modified C-reactive protein (anti-mCRP) antibodies remained positive. The patient was dependent on hemodialysis. We found anti-mCRP antibody in the serum of the patient, with the major epitope on amino acids 35 to 47 of mCRP. Lessons: We proposed that the anti-mCRP antibody might play an important role in this case of acute TIN in AAV.