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Published on: July 13, 2019
JC Polyomavirus Nephropathy: A Rare Complication Late after Kidney Transplantation
Jennifer Scotti Gerber1,2, Sara De Marchi1, Ariana Gaspert3
1Division of Nephrology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Lugano, Switzerland.
Introduction:
JC-polyomavirus-associated nephropathy (JC-PVAN) is a rare cause of allograft dysfunction with only a few cases described in the literature.
Case Presentation:
We present 2 cases of JC-PVAN, both of which occurred >5 years after kidney transplantation. In both cases, transplant biopsies were performed because of worsening of kidney function. We found tubulitis and interstitial inflammation; immunohistochemistry was positive for SV40, but BK virus was not detected. The presence of JC virus confirmed the diagnosis of JC-PVAN. Immunosuppressive therapy was adopted, but in both cases graft function progressively deteriorated.
Conclusions:
Our cases show that JC-PVAN, although much rarer than BK-PVAN, should be considered a possible cause of graft dysfunction even years after transplantation. Complete diagnostic workup, including kidney biopsy, is crucial for correct diagnosis and treatment.
