Pulmonary embolism as the first sign of the nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

Introduction. Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a serious complication of deep venous thrombosis, with a significant morbidity and mortality. More often, PE complicates the course of the nephrotic syndrome (NS), in particular when the disease is active, but it may occur as the first sign of illness when the diagnosis of the NS is being delayed as a result. Membranous nephropathy is, generally speaking, the most commonly reported glomerulonephritis associated with the increased risk of thrombosis. Case outline. This report summarizes our experience with three young male patients (a 26-year-old, a 22-year-old, and a 45-year-old), in which PE was the first presenting feature of the NS. All of them were admitted to the hospital experiencing chest pains, dry cough, and shortness of breath. One of them had high temperature and the other two swelling of the lower parts of legs. Computed tomography of the thorax showed pulmonary artery thrombosis in all three patients. Diagnosis of the NS was confirmed by laboratory analysis, while renal biopsy showed membranous nephropathy. The treatment was based on the pulse of methylprednisolone (1.5 g over a period of three days), with alternating therapy of oral corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide on a monthly basis during six months. After six months, two patients reached incomplete remission, while the third one still has the NS and normal renal function. Conclusion. Not so rare occurrence of thromboembolic events in the NS suggests that one should always suspect the NS in all patients with deep venous thrombosis or PE.

Keywords

• nephrotic syndrome
• membranous nephropathy
• pulmonary embolism