[Case of lupus nephritis and enteritis associated with bilateral hydronephrosis]

A case of nephrotic syndrome associated with bilateral hydronephrosis in a 26-year-old female is reported. She was referred to our hospital because of persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and urinary disorders. On admission, ascites, intestinal edema, and bilateral hydronephrosis, were demonstrated by radiographic analysis. The findings of both physical and laboratory examinations showed evidence of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In addition, diffuse proliferative lupus nephritis was consistently confirmed by a renal biopsy. Immediately after the initiation of steroid treatment, her abdominal symptoms disappeared followed by an improvement in the symptoms of intestinal edema, hydronephrosis, and the renal function. The relationship between ureterohydronephrosis and lupus cystitis, and the fact that lupus enteritis is often associated with lupus cystitis have been demonstrated by previous studies. Finally, the clinical manifestations observed in our case led us to consider the association of lupus enteritis and cystitis. We should bear in mind the possible association of several disorders, including nephrotic syndrome, enteritis, and hydronephrosis due to cystitis, in cases presenting with SLE.