Successful treatment of collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in a patient

Abstract

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a recognized cause of renal disease worldwide. The collapsing variant is distinct from the others, characterized clinically by a more severe nephrotic syndrome generally resistant to immunosuppressive therapy. It is known that a great number of patients progress to end-stage renal disease. Recognizing this lesion in biopsy is frequently challenging owing to the focal nature of the process which highlights the need for keeping a high index of suspicion for the diagnosis. We report and discuss a case of a non-HIV collapsing FSGS, followed by a complete (unexpected) renal recovery after an oral corticosteroid course.

Keywords

• focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• collapsing variant
• renal biopsy
• corticoid treatment