Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome: a case report and review of the literature.
OBJECTIVE
We aim to describe the first case of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome reported in Scandinavia and to underline the importance of the syndrome, which should be better known among ophthalmologists.


METHODS
We report an 11-year-old boy who was admitted to hospital because of general fatigue and weight loss. Blood tests showed renal insufficiency and a renal biopsy revealed acute tubulointerstitial nephritis. One week after admission the patient developed transitory blurred vision and flickering shadows in the left eye. Slit-lamp examination revealed bilateral anterior non-granulomatous uveitis and TINU syndrome was diagnosed.


RESULTS
Because of renal insufficiency the patient was treated with systemic prednisone 50 mg/day for 3 weeks. Evolution was favourable, and prednisone was tapered over 10 weeks. Uveitis was treated with topical steroid with good effect. The only complication after 18 months of follow-up was transitory cushingoid aspect.


CONCLUSIONS
Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome is a rare syndrome that is probably underdiagnosed in clinical practice. Co-operation between ophthalmologists and nephrologists/paediatricians is crucial for early diagnosis and instigation of treatment. Uveitis may occur before tubulointerstitial nephritis or the renal symptoms may be so mild that the patient is unaware of them. Therefore, ophthalmologists play an important role in the initial discovery of patients with TINU syndrome. Tubulointerstitial nephritis tends to be self-limiting, whereas uveitis tends to relapse and recurrences tend to be more severe than the initial uveitis. Therefore, the patient must be ophthalmologically monitored very carefully.
Thomassen
Veronica Holm
VH
Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aalborg Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark. veraptr@yahoo.co.uk
Ring
Troels
T
Thaarup
Jesper
J
Baggesen
Kirsten
K
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009395:Nephritis, Interstitial / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D051437:Renal Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology; D013577:Syndrome; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014605:Uveitis / Q000150:complications*
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D003907:Dexamethasone; D011241:Prednisone