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From a 2DE-Gel Spot to Protein Function: Lesson Learned From HS1 in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
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Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis as a presenting feature of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Yao-Ko Wen1, Kai-I Wen

  • 1Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Changhua Christian Hospital, 135, Nanhsiao Street, Changhua, 500, Taiwan.

International Urology and Nephrology
|December 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

A rare case of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) presenting with acute renal failure due to crescentic glomerulonephritis and leukemic cell infiltration is described. This simultaneous occurrence highlights a potential, though infrequent, complication of CLL.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Hematology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a common hematologic malignancy.
  • Kidney involvement in CLL is typically due to other mechanisms, not direct leukemic infiltration.
  • Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a severe kidney disease characterized by rapid loss of kidney function.

Observation:

  • A 64-year-old male presented with gross hematuria and acute renal failure.
  • Laboratory tests revealed significant lymphocytosis.
  • Bone marrow biopsy confirmed chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).

Findings:

  • Kidney biopsy demonstrated crescentic glomerulonephritis.
  • Interstitial kidney tissue showed infiltration by leukemic cells.
  • This represents a rare simultaneous presentation of RPGN and CLL.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering direct leukemic infiltration in the kidneys of CLL patients presenting with renal failure.
  • It adds to the limited literature on the simultaneous occurrence of RPGN and CLL.
  • Further research may elucidate the mechanisms and frequency of such presentations.

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