Membranous nephropathy associated with gastrointestinal stromal tumour: a case report

Adela Cimic1, Stephen O Pastan2, Vanesa Bijol1

  • 1Department of Pathology , Emory University Hospital.

NDT Plus
|May 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Membranous nephropathy (MN) is linked to cancer. A patient with MN and a jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST) experienced proteinuria resolution after GIST treatment, suggesting a potential association.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Membranous nephropathy (MN) is a primary cause of nephrotic syndrome, particularly in older adults.
  • The link between MN and malignancy is increasingly recognized, though controversial.
  • Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are rare mesenchymal neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract.

Observation:

  • A 49-year-old male presented with severe nephrotic syndrome.
  • The patient was diagnosed with a jejunal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
  • This represents the first reported case associating MN with GIST.

Findings:

  • The patient received preoperative Imatinib mesylate chemotherapy followed by surgical tumor excision.
  • Complete resolution of proteinuria was observed within 19 months post-treatment.
  • No specific treatment for membranous nephropathy was administered.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a potential paraneoplastic link between membranous nephropathy and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the association between MN and GIST.
  • Understanding this association may influence diagnostic and treatment strategies for patients with unexplained nephrotic syndrome.

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