Lipoprotein glomerulopathy: glomerular lipoprotein thrombi in a patient with hyperlipoproteinemia

An unusual nephropathy presumably induced by abnormal lipid metabolism is described in a 57-year-old woman who presented with proteinuria and edema. Histology at renal biopsy was characterized by marked dilatation of capillary lumina. Sudan staining and electron microscopy demonstrated lipid droplets occupying the capillary lumina. The patient had no particular clinical symptoms of lipidosis, but hyperlipoproteinemia similar to type III was suggested by lipid profiles. The nephropathy is thought to be an inherited disorder because proteinuria was detected in her sisters and similar renal histology and lipid profile were observed in one of her sisters. This is believed to be the first detailed report of glomerular lipoprotein thrombi.