A unique case of anti-GBM disease with concomitant anti-PLA2R positivity

Background Concomitant occurrence of anti-GBM disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy have been previously described. However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report that documents the co-occurrence of the diseases proven by both serologic and histologic methods. Case presentation A 51-year-old woman presented to hospital with nausea, bilateral lower extremity edema, dyspnea, dark urine, and then anuria. Symptoms developed one month after an upper respiratory tract infection. Laboratory results showed acute kidney injury, and hypoalbuminemia. Immunologic examination revealed both anti-GBM and anti-PLA2R positivity. Kidney biopsy demonstrated the histological features of Goodpasture's disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy. Steroid, cyclophosphamide, and plasmapheresis were commenced. Despite the combined immunosuppressive, the patient remained on renal replacement therapy. Conclusions Microbial kidney injury can trigger multiple autoimmune diseases. The simultaneous occurrence of anti-glomerular basement (anti-GBM) disease and membranous nephropathy is extremely rare. Delayed recognition leads to delayed treatment, causing worse renal and patient outcomes, as well as increased financial costs.

Automated summary

This case report is the first to document the co-occurrence of anti-GBM disease and anti-PLA2R positive membranous nephropathy, confirmed by both serologic and histologic methods. Microbial kidney injury can trigger multiple autoimmune diseases, and the simultaneous occurrence of anti-GBM disease and membranous nephropathy is extremely rare. Delayed recognition and treatment can result in worse renal and patient outcomes, as well as increased financial costs.