Spontaneous Remission of Thrombospondin Type-1 Domain-Containing-Associated Membranous Nephropathy

Intern Med. 2021 Oct 1;60(19):3125-3128. doi: 10.2169/internalmedicine.6413-20. Epub 2021 Apr 12.

Abstract

Membranous nephropathy often achieves spontaneous remission. However, there are scarce reports of spontaneous remission of thrombospondin type-1 domain-containing 7A (THSD7A)-associated membranous nephropathy. A 64-year-old female presented with nephrotic syndrome and edema of the lower extremities. We diagnosed membranous nephropathy by kidney biopsy and confirmed positive THSD7A on immunofluorescence using frozen sections; serum THSD7A antibodies were also detected. Thirty-four months after the initial diagnosis, she achieved a spontaneous complete remission without immunosuppressive therapy. With the complete remission, no serum THSD7A levels were detected. In this study, we describe serial examinations of kidney biopsies and serum THSD7A antibodies.

Keywords: THSD7A; membranous nephropathy; nephrotic syndrome; spontaneous remission.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* / diagnosis
  • Glomerulonephritis, Membranous* / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / diagnosis
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / drug therapy
  • Nephrotic Syndrome* / etiology
  • Receptors, Phospholipase A2
  • Remission, Spontaneous
  • Thrombospondin 1
  • Thrombospondins

Substances

  • Autoantibodies
  • Receptors, Phospholipase A2
  • Thrombospondin 1
  • Thrombospondins