Renal involvement in leptospirosis: new insights into pathophysiology and treatment: [review]

Acute renal failure (ARF) is one of the most common complications of leptospirosis although the causal mechanisms are still unclear. Diverse mechanisms are implicated in leptospiral nephropathy and new data supports the role of peculiar ion transport defects. Besides antibiotic therapy, ARF management in leptospirosis requires dialytic therapy which is most efficient when started early. Dialysis is the standard supportive therapy even though recent evidence suggests clinical benefit from alternative treatments such as plasmapheresis and hemofiltration. Renal recovery is achieved soon after clinical improvement. The comprehension of the primary mechanisms of renal dysfunction will be helpful in the development of additional therapeutic tools for improving supportive therapy for leptospiral nephropathy. This review discusses new insights into mechanisms implicated in leptospiral ARF and recent advances in treatment.

Treatment of Fraley’s syndrome by upper-pole nephrectomy

CONTEXT: Fraley’s syndrome is characterized by vascular compression on the superior infundibulum with secondary dilatation of the upper pole calyx, mostly located on the right side. CASE REPORT: We present the case of a 22-year-old woman with vascular compression of the upper-pole infundibulocalyceal system (Fraley’s syndrome). The patient had a history of frequent hospitalizations for emergency care due to lumbar pain over the past twelve months. The diagnosis was obtained following renal arteriography. Since the surgical treatment by means of upper-pole nephrectomy, the patient has not had any further symptoms.

CONTEXTO: A síndrome de Fraley é caracterizada por impressão vascular do infundíbulo superior com dilatação secundária do pólo caliceal superior. É geralmente localizada no lado direito. RELATO DE CASO: Nós apresentamos o caso de uma mulher com 22 anos de idade com compressão vascular do sistema infundibulocaliceal do pólo superior (síndrome de Fraley). A paciente trazia história de hospitalizações freqüentes em emergências nos últimos 12 meses devido a cólicas renais. O diagnóstico foi obtido após arteriografia renal. Depois do tratamento cirúrgico por meio de nefrectomia polar superior, a paciente não apresentou mais sintomas.