RESUMO
Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is a common cause of nephrotic syndrome, and has been reported as a cause of idiopathic primary glomerulonephropathy in up to 90% of patients. However, the treatment options remain controversial. We report two cases of idiopathic membranous nephropathy that were treated with rituximab. A 54-year-old man and a 64-year old man were admitted for rituximab therapy. They had previously been treated with combinations of immunosuppressive agents including cyclophosphamide, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, and steroids. However, the patients' heavy proteinuria was not resolved. Both patients received rituximab therapy, 2 weeks apart. After several months of follow-up and a second round of rituximab treatment for each patient, their proteinuria decreased and partial remission of disease was achieved in both patients.
RESUMO
A 48-year-old man presented with acute right flank pain. A computed tomography scan revealed right renal infarction. Because he had no thrombosis in the renal vessels and no clear embolic source, a further examination was performed to find the cause of the renal infarction. On transesophageal echocardiography, a right-to-left shunt during the Valsalva maneuver established a diagnosis of patent foramen ovale. This is a case of paradoxical embolism through a PFO leading to renal infarction.
