Staphylococcus-Associated Glomerulonephritis Mimicking Henoch-Schönlein Purpura and Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis in a Patient With an Epidural Abscess: A Case Report and Brief Review of the Literature

Abstract

Rationale: Staphylococcus-associated glomerulonephritis (SAGN) is a rare immune complex–mediated glomerulonephritis associated with active Staphylococcus infection. We report a case illustrating the importance of clinical history and kidney biopsy findings in establishing the correct diagnosis. Presenting concerns of the patient: We report the case of a 64-year-old man with alcohol-associated cirrhosis, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension who presented to hospital with lower back and abdominal pain, rectal bleeding, a purpuric lower extremity rash, and oliguric acute kidney injury with microscopic hematuria and nephrotic-range proteinuria. Diagnoses: Skin biopsy revealed IgA leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Serum cryoglobulins were positive and there was hypocomplementemia with a low C3 level. Magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar spine revealed septic discitis and epidural abscesses caused by a recent Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. Kidney biopsy showed IgA-dominant and C3-dominant proliferative glomerulonephritis with subepithelial humps in keeping with SAGN. Interventions: Urgent hemodialysis was initiated along with a prolonged course of intravenous cefazolin. Outcomes: Remarkably, the patient demonstrated a complete recovery of renal function after 2 months of dialysis dependence and successful treatment of the epidural abscesses. Lessons learned: This case shows that SAGN can closely mimic the clinical, laboratory, and histological presentation of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura or cryoglobulinemic vasculitis. Clinical history and kidney biopsy, particularly electron microscopic analysis, are essential to establishing the correct diagnosis to avoid the unnecessary and potentially harmful administration of immunosuppression. Despite the typically poor prognosis of SAGN, this case report illustrates that full renal recovery remains possible with supportive care and eradication of the underlying infection.