A case of nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatic glomerulosclerosis and diabetic nephropathy

We report here an adult case of nephrotic syndrome associated with hepatic glomerulosclerosis with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) antigen and diabetic nephropathy. To clarify the etiology of the nephrotic syndrome, we performed a renal biopsy and obtained the histological findings of hepatic glomerulosclerosis, glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and mesangial expansion. Electron dense deposits and deposits of IgA and C3 were also noted in the glomerular mesangial areas. Histological findings of diabetic nephropathy included thickening of the glomerular basement membrane and aneurysmal change of glomerular capillary walls in light microscopy. In immunofluorescence, linear staining of IgG was observed in the glomerular capillary walls, Bowman's capsules and tubular basement membranes. HCV was also detected focally in the glomerular capillary walls by immunofluorescence. Association of these two diseases has not been reported in any of the previous manuscripts that we reviewed. Thus, this patient seems to be a case of very rare association of the two diseases.