A Case of Phospholipase A(2) Receptor-Positive Membranous Nephropathy Preceding Sarcoid-Associated Granulomatous Tubulointerstitial Nephritis

We report the case of a 29-year-old man with membranous nephropathy that was associated with a sarcoidosic granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis, but was without an apparent calcium metabolism disorder. Corticosteroid treatment was associated with remission of nephrotic syndrome. We discuss the relationship between membranous nephropathy and sarcoidosis based on the close appearance of the 2 diseases and the detection of phospholipase A(2) receptor in glomerular immune deposits. Am J Kidney Dis. 57(1): 140-143. (C) 2010 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.