Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis Associated with Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma / 대한신장학회지

ABSTRACT

Malignant tumors have been shown to be a major secondary cause of nephrotic syndrome. They have been associated with different glomerulopathy depending on their type. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) rarely develops in solid tumors, although cases have been reported in renal cell cancer, melanoma, lung cancer, and tumors in the urogenital system. However, to our knowledge, there have been no case reported of MPGN associated with thyroid cancer. In the present case, we observed MPGN associated with thyroid cancer in a 44-year-old woman with nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency. Her thyroid ultrasound revealed a tumor measuring 1.01x1.14x1.48 cm with an indistinct border that was partially calcified. The tumor was confirmed to be papillary carcinoma by percutaneous needle aspiration biopsy. Renal biopsy showed chronic tubulointerstitial nephritis and MPGN. On day 45 of admission, total thyroidectomy and neck lymphadenectomy were performed. After total thyroidectomy, serum total protein, albumin, C3, and C4 normalized. In conclusion, this case represents the first report of simultaneous development of MPGN and thyroid cancer.