Acute renal failure in a patient with AIDS: histoplasmosis-induced granulomatous interstitial nephritis

Although the most frequent cause of acute renal failure (ARF) in patients with AIDS is acute tubular necrosis (ATN) secondary to ischemic renal injury from septicemia, a spectrum of causes may result in ARF in these patients. We report a patient with AIDS who developed ARF and was found to have granulomatous interstitial nephritis as a result of disseminated histoplasmosis. Histoplasma capsulatum was seen in the interstitium of the kidney on renal biopsy. The patient was treated with amphotericin B and itraconazole. Although he continues to require hemodialysis 3 months after his initial presentation, his other presenting symptoms have resolved with antifungal therapy. We also discuss the literature on disseminated histoplasmosis and renal failure.