Paraneoplastic minimal change disease in malignant thymoma: a rare association progressing to end-stage renal disease

Thymoma, commonly seen in middle-aged and elderly individuals, is associated with autoimmune disorders. While renal involvement is rare, its occurrence remains poorly characterized.

We report a 24-year-old female with a ten-year history of malignant thymoma who developed nephrotic syndrome. Renal biopsy revealed minimal change disease (MCD), a rare paraneoplastic manifestation of thymoma. Despite treatment with steroids and rituximab, her renal function deteriorated, leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This case underscores the challenges of managing paraneoplastic glomerular disease and highlights the need for better understanding of such rare associations.

Thymoma-related glomerular diseases, often linked to immune dysregulation, pose significant treatment challenges. Recognizing these associations may guide more effective management strategies, particularly for patients unresponsive to steroids.