Renal sarcoidosis with limited lung manifestations expressing Propionibacterium acnes antigens in the affected tubulointerstitium

Am J Med Sci. 2013 Sep;346(3):250-2. doi: 10.1097/MAJ.0b013e31828bdf9f.

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a granulomatous multisystemic disorder of unknown origin that can affect the kidneys. Previous reports from Japan and Europe have indicated a link between Propionibacterium acnes infections and sarcoidosis. Here, we present the case of a 68-year-old woman with hypercalcemia and renal failure. A kidney biopsy was performed, which showed granulomatous tubulointerstitial nephritis with a large nonnecrotic nodule that contained mononuclear inflammatory cells and multinucleated giant cells. Subsequent immunohistochemical analysis revealed intracytoplasmic structures, which strongly indicated the presence of the P acnes antigen. Treatment with methylprednisolone ameliorated the patient's hypercalcemia and renal failure. This case report emphasizes the potential of chronic P acnes infection to cause sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antigens, Bacterial / immunology*
  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / cytology
  • CD4-CD8 Ratio
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Kidney Diseases / drug therapy
  • Kidney Diseases / immunology*
  • Kidney Diseases / pathology
  • Prednisolone / therapeutic use
  • Propionibacterium acnes / immunology*
  • Sarcoidosis / drug therapy
  • Sarcoidosis / immunology*
  • Sarcoidosis / pathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antigens, Bacterial
  • Prednisolone