Korean J Nephrol.  2011 Mar;30(2):183-186.

Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Associated with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma

• Han ST
• Choi SO
• Song SH
• Kim JS
• Eom MS
• Lee JI
• Kim MK
• Han BG
• Yang JW

Abstract

Malignant tumors have been shown to be a major secondary cause of nephrotic syndrome. They have been associated with different glomerulopathy depending on their type. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) rarely develops in solid tumors, although cases have been reported in renal cell cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and tumors in the urogenital system. However, to our knowledge, there have been no case reported of MPGN associated with thyroid cancer. In the present case, we observed MPGN associated with thyroid cancer in a 44-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency. Her thyroid ultrasound revealed a tumor measuring 1.01x1.14x1.48 cm with an indistinct border that was partially calcified. The tumor was confirmed to be papillary carcinoma by percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy. Renal biopsy showed chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and MPGN. On day 45 of admission, total thyroidectomy and neck lymphadenectomy were performed. After total thyroidectomy, serum total protein, albumin, C3, and C4 normalized. In conclusion, this case represents the first report of simultaneous development of MPGN and thyroid cancer.

Keyword

Thyroid; Carcinoma; Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis

MeSH Terms

Adult
Biopsy
Biopsy, Needle
Carcinoma
Carcinoma, Papillary
Carcinoma, Renal Cell
Female
Glomerulonephritis, Membranoproliferative
Humans
Lung Neoplasms
Lymph Node Excision
Melanoma
Neck
Needles
Nephritis, Interstitial
Nephrotic Syndrome
Renal Insufficiency
Thyroid Gland
Thyroid Neoplasms
Thyroidectomy
Urogenital System
Carcinoma
Thyroid Neoplasms