Primary membranous nephrotic syndrome with chylothorax as first presentation: A case report and literature review

Primary membranous nephrotic syndrome with chylothorax as the first manifestation is an unusual condition. To date, only a few cases have been reported in clinical practice.

The clinical data of a 48-year-old man with primary nephrotic syndrome combined with chylothorax admitted to the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine of Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital were retrospectively analysed. The patient was admitted to the hospital for 12 d due to shortness of breath. Imaging showed pleural effusion, laboratory tests confirmed true chylothorax, and renal biopsy revealed membranous nephropathy. After primary disease treatment and early active symptom treatment, the prognosis of the patient was good. This case suggests that chylothorax is a rare complication of primary membranous nephrotic syndrome in adults, and early lymphangiography and renal biopsy can assist in the diagnosis when there are no contraindications.

Primary membranous nephrotic syndrome combined with chylothorax is rare in clinical practice. We report a relevant case to provide case information for clinicians and to improve diagnosis and treatment.