IgA nephropathy in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Renal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a typical manifestation of the disease. The occurrence of non-lupus nephritis in SLE patients has rarely been reported; we describe the case of a woman suffering from SLE and IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Although IgAN and lupus nephritis share some common physiopathological characteristics, their laboratory and histopathologic findings and the extra-renal clinical manifestations are different and support a different pathogenesis. Our case highlights the importance of renal biopsy in lupus patients with urinary alterations since a correct diagnosis would permit the most appropriate treatment to be started, thus avoiding unnecessary immunosuppressive treatments.
Corrado
A
A
Rheumatology Unit and Division of Nephrology, University of Foggia, Ospedale Co. D'Avanzo, Foggia, Italy. ada_corrado@libero.it
Quarta
L
L
Di Palma
A M
AM
Gesualdo
L
L
Cantatore
F P
FP
D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005922:Glomerulonephritis, IGA / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000150:complications*