IgA nephropathy: dimeric IgA-secreting cells are present in episcleral infiltrate

Recent publications have reported a frequent association between IgA nephropathy and episcleritis. In this article, the authors report on the immunohistologic study of an episcleral biopsy obtained in a female patient with Berger's disease and frequent episodes of episcleritis. Numerous dimeric-IgA-secreting cells were demonstrated in the episcleral inflammatory infiltrate. It also should be mentioned that microhematuria often occurred within a few days after the beginning of episcleritis in this patient. These results suggest the participation of ocular mucosal immunity in some cases of IgA nephropathy.