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Published on: July 18, 2017
Megalocytic interstitial nephritis following acute pyelonephritis with Escherichia coli bacteremia: a case report
Hee Jin Kwon1, Kwai Han Yoo1, In Young Kim1
1Department of Medicine, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
Abstract:
Megalocytic interstitial nephritis is a rare form of kidney disease caused by chronic inflammation. We report a case of megalocytic interstitial nephritis occurring in a 45-yrold woman who presented with oliguric acute kidney injury and acute pyelonephritis accompanied by Escherichia coli bacteremia. Her renal function was not recovered despite adequate duration of susceptible antibiotic treatment, accompanied by negative conversion of bacteremia and bacteriuria. Kidney biopsy revealed an infiltration of numerous histiocytes without Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. The patient's renal function was markedly improved after short-term treatment with high-dose steroid.
Insights
Megalocytic interstitial nephritis, a rare kidney disease, was treated with steroids in a 45-year-old woman. High-dose steroid therapy significantly improved her renal function after antibiotics failed.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Megalocytic interstitial nephritis is a rare kidney disease.
- It is characterized by chronic inflammation and often presents with acute kidney injury.
- Escherichia coli bacteremia can complicate interstitial nephritis.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old woman presented with oliguric AKI and acute pyelonephritis with Escherichia coli bacteremia.
- Despite appropriate antibiotic therapy, her renal function did not recover, though bacteremia and bacteriuria resolved.
- Kidney biopsy showed histiocyte infiltration without Michaelis-Gutmann bodies.
Findings:
- The patient was diagnosed with megalocytic interstitial nephritis.
- Treatment with high-dose steroids led to marked improvement in renal function.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential efficacy of high-dose steroid therapy in managing megalocytic interstitial nephritis presenting as AKI.
- Early recognition and consideration of alternative treatments beyond antibiotics are crucial for patients with refractory kidney injury.
- Further research into the pathogenesis and optimal management of this rare condition is warranted.
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Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management
Urinary Tract Infection II: Pathophysiology
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Urinary Tract Infection I: Introduction

