Renal complications in two patients with dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy

Dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy (DRPLA) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder characterized by various combinations of myoclonus epilepsy, ataxia, choreoathetosis and dementia. No specific therapy has been established and renal complication is rare. We report two cases of DRPLA with renal complications. Hematuria and proteinuria had gradually progressed for 2 and 13 years in these patients. Renal biopsy findings revealed focal glomerulosclerosis in one case and end-stage kidney disease in the other case. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor and angiotensin receptor II antagonist were administered to both patients, resulting in improved proteinuria and preserved renal function in one patient, while renal function continued to deteriorate in the other patient. Although renal complication is rare in patients with DRPLA, the presence of renal disease has to be suspected in patients with persistent proteinuria.