Korean J Med.  2014 Sep;87(3):352-356. 10.3904/kjm.2014.87.3.352.

A Case of Acute Kidney Injury in a Patient with Pulmonary Tuberculosis Receiving Ethambutol Therapy

• Hong CW
• Nho SY
• Lee IH
• Ahn KS
• Park KK
• Kang GW

• KMID: 2269249
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3904/kjm.2014.87.3.352

Abstract

Ethambutol is commonly used as a first-line drug for the treatment of tuberculosis. The most serious adverse effect of ethambutol therapy is optic neuropathy. However, ethambutol-induced acute kidney injury is extremely rare. We report herein a case of acute kidney injury secondary to ethambutol-associated acute interstitial nephritis. A 65-year-old man with pulmonary tuberculosis presented with a > 7-day history of nausea and vomiting. He had begun antituberculosis medications including ethambutol 3 weeks previously. His laboratory findings showed elevated blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine levels (32.6 and 3.6 mg/dL, respectively). Examination of percutaneous renal biopsy specimens showed diffuse interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration with mild interstitial edema. The patient was treated by cessation of ethambutol and supportive care. His renal function completely recovered (creatinine, 1.1 mg/dL) and his clinical symptoms improved.

Keyword

Ethambutol; Interstitial nephritis; Acute kidney injury

MeSH Terms

Acute Kidney Injury*
Aged
Biopsy
Blood Urea Nitrogen
Creatinine
Edema
Ethambutol*
Humans
Nausea
Nephritis, Interstitial
Optic Nerve Diseases
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, Pulmonary*
Vomiting
Creatinine
Ethambutol