Hepatic glomerulosclerosis with IgA deposition. Report of three cases

Hepatic glomerulosclerosis is characterized by depositions of IgA in mesangial areas of glomeruli similar to those found in primary IgA nephropathy. The mechanism of IgA deposition is presently obscure. We have attempted to elucidate histopathological changes of IgA deposition in such patients. Three cirrhotic patients who had abnormal urinalysis underwent renal biopsy in Tokai University Hospital. Renal biopsy specimens obtained from these three patients showed IgA measangial deposition on immunofluorescence staining, and various histopathological changes on light microscopy. It is suggested that these variable renal changes in patients with hepatic cirrhosis may be related to the alteration of the handling of immune complexes in injured liver.