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El Ouafi Z, Mugnier C, Jeannet R, Danthu C, Duval M, Belle Mbou V, Touré F. Efficacy of rituximab in thymoma associated minimal change disease: case report. BMC Nephrol 2021; 22:303. [PMID: 34493204 PMCID: PMC8425126 DOI: 10.1186/s12882-021-02479-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Thymomas have been associated with a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases. Minimal change disease (MCD) is the most frequent pathological lesion reported. Pathophysiological mechanisms involved in secondary MCD, and linking MCD to thymoma are not yet fully explained, although the hypothesis of T cell dysfunction has been suggested. The fundamental therapeutic principles are steroids and surgical treatment of thymoma, but failures and relapses often require immunosuppressant combinations. Case presentation A 62-year-old female was admitted in our unit for a nephrotic syndrome associated with a thymoma. The diagnosis of thymoma associated MCD was confirmed by kidney biopsy. After surgical resection of the thymoma and steroid therapy, no remission was observed. Immunosuppressive therapy was then intensified with introduction of rituximab. Here, we report a steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome secondary to MCD associated thymoma, which achieved complete remission after rituximab therapy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use and efficacy of rituximab therapy in this pathology. Conclusions Our case report suggests that primary and secondary MCD may share similar pathophysiological mechanisms. It does not allow us to draw any conclusions about the mechanism of action of rituximab, but we believe this report argues for the safety and efficacy of rituximab use in thymoma-associated MCD, and therefore constitutes a rationale for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Robin Jeannet
- CHU Limoges, Division of Immunology, Limoges, France.,CNRS 7276 - Inserm U1262, CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | - Marion Duval
- CHU Limoges, Division of Nephrology, Limoges, France
| | | | - Fatouma Touré
- CHU Limoges, Division of Nephrology, Limoges, France. .,CNRS 7276 - Inserm U1262, CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
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Sathirareuangchai S, Mallick J, Hendricks AR, Torrealba JR. Type B3 thymoma associated membranous nephropathy: A rare case and review of the literature. HUMAN PATHOLOGY: CASE REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ehpc.2021.200479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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3
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Takahashi A, Miyauchi T, Tatsumoto N, Lin MY, Hou J, Doi T, Masaki T, Yamashita M. The histopathological spectrum of kidney biopsies in patients with thymoma and myasthenia gravis: a report of 24 biopsies from a single institution. Clin Kidney J 2021; 14:2090-2100. [PMID: 35261763 PMCID: PMC8894933 DOI: 10.1093/ckj/sfaa276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Nephropathy in patients with thymic diseases such as thymoma and myasthenia gravis (MG) is rare and has been described mostly as isolated case reports. Here we evaluate a series of kidney biopsies from patients with thymoma and/or MG from a single institution in order to better define the spectrum and relative frequencies of thymic disease–associated nephropathies. Methods We conducted a retrospective case series study of 32 462 native kidney biopsies from January 2005 through December 2019 at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA. Results Twenty-four biopsy specimens (0.07%) from patients with a history of thymoma and/or MG were identified. Two patients had repeat biopsies. The most common pathologic diagnosis that could be immunologically attributed to thymic disease was minimal change disease (MCD; 45%), followed by tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN; 14%), immune complex (IC)-mediated glomerulonephritis (9%), membranous nephropathy (5%) and immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy (5%). Interestingly, 50% of the MCD and 67% of TIN cases concomitantly showed mild IgG-dominant IC deposition in mesangial areas and/or in tubular basement membranes. In the two patients with repeat biopsies, mild mesangial IC deposition developed in the MCD patient but disappeared in the TIN patient with the second biopsy. Pathologic diagnoses unlikely related to the underlying thymic disease were diabetic glomerulosclerosis (9%), acute tubular necrosis (9%) and monoclonal Ig deposition disease (5%). Conclusions Thymic disease is associated with a wide spectrum of kidney diseases affecting the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments, often with low-grade IC deposition. These findings suggest a role of immunologic dysregulation in the pathogenesis of thymic disease–associated nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Takahashi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takamasa Miyauchi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Narihito Tatsumoto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mercury Y Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jean Hou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Toshiki Doi
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takao Masaki
- Department of Nephrology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michifumi Yamashita
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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4
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Blum TG, Misch D, Kollmeier J, Thiel S, Bauer TT. Autoimmune disorders and paraneoplastic syndromes in thymoma. J Thorac Dis 2020; 12:7571-7590. [PMID: 33447448 PMCID: PMC7797875 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-2019-thym-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Thymomas are counted among the rare tumour entities which are associated with autoimmune disorders (AIDs) and paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS) far more often than other malignancies. Through its complex immunological function in the context of the selection and maturation of T cells, the thymus is at the same time highly susceptible to disruptive factors caused by the development and growth of thymic tumours. These T cells, which are thought to develop to competent immune cells in the thymus, can instead adopt autoreactive behaviour due to the uncontrolled interplay of thymomas and become the trigger for AID or PNS affecting numerous organs and tissues within the human body. While myasthenia gravis is the most prevalent PNS in thymoma, numerous others have been described, be they related to neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, haematological, dermatological, endocrine or systemic disorders. This review article sheds light on the pathophysiology, epidemiology, specific clinical features and therapeutic options of the various forms as well as courses and outcomes of AID/PNS in association with thymomas. Whenever suitable and backed by the limited available evidence, the perspectives from both the thymoma and the affected organ/tissue will be highlighted. Specific issues addressed are the prognostic significance of thymectomy on myasthenia gravis and other thymoma-associated AID/PND and further the impact and safety of immunotherapies on AID and PND relating to thymomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Gerriet Blum
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Misch
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jens Kollmeier
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Thiel
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten T Bauer
- Department of Pneumology, Lungenklinik Heckeshorn, Helios Klinikum Emil von Behring, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Zhao J, Bhatnagar V, Ding L, Atay SM, David EA, McFadden PM, Stamnes S, Lechtholz-Zey E, Wightman SC, Detterbeck FC, Kim AW. A systematic review of paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymoma: Treatment modalities, recurrence, and outcomes in resected cases. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2019; 160:306-314.e14. [PMID: 31982129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2019.11.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymomas remain incompletely understood. The objective was to examine the association between surgically resected thymomas and paraneoplastic syndromes over the past half century. METHODS A primary PubMed/MEDLINE search was used to identify published articles describing paraneoplastic syndromes associated with thymomas from 1960 to 2019. A secondary search identified additional articles referenced in the articles found in the primary search. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank test were used for time-to-event data analyses. RESULTS From 407 articles describing 507 patients, 123 different paraneoplastic syndromes were associated with thymoma. The 5 most common paraneoplastic syndromes were myasthenia gravis, pure red cell aplasia, lichen planus, Good syndrome, and limbic encephalitis. Complete or partial resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome symptoms after surgery was noted in 76% of patients, of whom 21% had a relapse or new paraneoplastic syndrome onset after surgery. The most common adjunctive therapy associated with resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome was corticosteroids (30%). For all patients after surgery, thymoma recurrence was observed in 17% of cases, whereas recurrence of paraneoplastic syndrome was observed in 34% of cases, and both were observed in approximately 11% of cases. The 5- and 10-year overall survivals were 78% and 66%, respectively. Improved overall survival was associated with patients who had total resolution from paraneoplastic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS A comprehensive assessment of publications over the past half century suggests that a multimodal treatment approach that includes surgical resection of thymomas is able to achieve paraneoplastic syndrome resolution in a majority of patients. Onset of new paraneoplastic syndromes after surgery is associated with the recurrence of the first paraneoplastic syndrome, and resolution of paraneoplastic syndrome is associated with improved overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Zhao
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Vikrant Bhatnagar
- Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine, Athens, Ohio
| | - Li Ding
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Scott M Atay
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Elizabeth A David
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - P Michael McFadden
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | - Stephanie Stamnes
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | | | - Sean C Wightman
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif
| | | | - Anthony W Kim
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, Calif.
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6
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Solimani F, Maglie R, Pollmann R, Schmidt T, Schmidt A, Ishii N, Tackenberg B, Kirschbaum A, Didona D, Pickert J, Eming R, Hashimoto T, Hertl M. Thymoma-Associated Paraneoplastic Autoimmune Multiorgan Syndrome-From Pemphigus to Lichenoid Dermatitis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1413. [PMID: 31293579 PMCID: PMC6598597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Paraneoplastic autoimmune multi-organ syndrome (PAMS) is a rare clinical condition characterized by variable and heterogeneous clinical phenotypes in the presence of neoplasias which largely depend on the activation of humoral and cellular immune responses. Clinically, these patients present with a spectrum of antibody-driven pemphigus-like lesions to graft-vs.-host-disease-like exanthemas with a lichenoid inflammatory infiltrate in the skin. PAMS is occasionally associated with thymoma, in which altered immune surveillance eventually leads to multiorgan autoimmunity which often includes variable cutaneous symptoms. This disorder is associated with a profound disturbance of peripheral immune tolerance against human autoantigens. Objectives: We here present a patient with relapsing thymoma who developed PAMS with several cutaneous and extracutaneous autoimmune disorders. Materials: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), sera, and lesional skin biopsies were obtained at different clinical disease stages. Peripheral T cell subsets were characterized phenotypically and the cytokine profile of the peripheral blood T cellular response against distinct epidermal and dermal autoantigens of the skin was analyzed by ELISpot assay. Serological screening was performed by ELISA and immunoblot analysis. Skin biopsies were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis of distinct T cell subsets. Thymoma tissue was analyzed for the presence of T regulatory cells and compared with adult thymus and indolent thymoma. Results and Conclusions: In the present case, thymoma was the cause of the observed multi-organ autoimmune syndromes as its recurrence and surgical removal was associated with the relapse and regression of the cutaneous symptoms, respectively. Initially, the patient presented with two autoimmune disorders with Th2/Th1 imbalance, myasthenia gravis (MG) and pemphigus foliaceus (PF), which regressed upon immunosuppressive treatment. Months later, the patient developed a lichenoid exanthema with a Th1-dominated skin infiltrate. Further clinical evaluation revealed the recurrence of the thymoma and the lichenoid exanthema gradually regressed upon thymectomy. Our contention that T cell recognition against distinct cutaneous autoantigens, such as desmoglein 1 (Dsg1), shifted from a Th2 to a Th1-dominated immune response could not be fully substantiated as the patient was on a stringent immunosuppressive treatment regimen. We could only observe a decrease of the initially present serum IgG autoantibodies against Dsg1. Phenotypic analysis of the associated thymoma showed a lower number of T regulatory cells compared to adult thymus and indolent thymoma, suggesting that impaired thymus-derived immune surveillance had a direct impact on the outcome of the observed cutaneous autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzan Solimani
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Roberto Maglie
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Robert Pollmann
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ansgar Schmidt
- Institute of Pathology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Norito Ishii
- Department of Dermatology, Kurume University School of Medicine, and Kurume University Institute of Cutaneous Cell Biology, Kurume, Japan
| | - Björn Tackenberg
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Julia Pickert
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Rüdiger Eming
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
| | - Takashi Hashimoto
- Department of Surgery, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
- Osaka City University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Michael Hertl
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps-University, Marburg, Germany
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Loewen JM, Cianciolo RE, Zhang L, Yaeger M, Ward JL, Smith JD, LeVine DN. Concurrent renal amyloidosis and thymoma resulting in a fatal ventricular thrombus in a dog. J Vet Intern Med 2018; 32:1160-1165. [PMID: 29485186 PMCID: PMC5980280 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Thymoma-associated nephropathies have been reported in people but not in dogs. In this report, we describe a dog with thymoma and concurrent renal amyloidosis. A 7-year-old castrated male Weimaraner was presented for progressive anorexia, lethargy, and tachypnea. The dog was diagnosed with azotemia, marked proteinuria, and a thymoma that was surgically removed. Postoperatively, the dog developed a large left ventricular thrombus and was euthanized. Necropsy confirmed the presence of a left ventricular thrombus and histopathology revealed renal amyloidosis. We speculate that the renal amyloidosis occurred secondary to the thymoma, with amyloidosis in turn leading to nephrotic syndrome, hypercoagulability, and ventricular thrombosis. This case illustrates the potential for thymoma-associated nephropathies to occur in dogs and that dogs suspected to have thymoma should have a urinalysis and urine protein creatinine ratio performed as part of the pre-surgical database.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Loewen
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Rachel E Cianciolo
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and International Veterinary Renal Pathology Service, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Liwen Zhang
- Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Facility, Campus Chemical Instrument Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michael Yaeger
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Jessica L Ward
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Jodi D Smith
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
| | - Dana N LeVine
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa
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Thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis and LGI1-encephalitis, with nephrotic syndrome post-thymectomy. J Neuroimmunol 2018; 317:100-102. [PMID: 29395322 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Thymoma is associated with a wide spectrum of autoimmune paraneoplastic syndromes, though it is uncommon for multiple paraneoplastic syndromes to be present in a single individual. We report a rare case of an elderly gentleman who was found to have thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis and LGI1-encephalitis with myokymia, who presented with nephrotic syndrome (minimal change glomerulopathy) after thymectomy. The latter two paraneoplastic syndromes had manifested when prednisolone was tapered down to low dose. This case serves to remind neurologists that apart from paraneoplastic neurological manifestations, thymoma may also be associated with renal disease. Nephropathy in myasthenia patients with thymoma should be properly evaluated, as it is treatable with immunotherapy, and it may even occur post-thymectomy.
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Myoga H, Akimoto T, Mato N, Nakaya T, Murakami T, Yoshizawa H, Nakagawa S, Miki A, Masuda T, Kobayashi T, Ono Y, Saito O, Ueda Y, Muto S, Nagata D. Nephrotic Syndrome and a Retroperitoneal Mass: A Case Report of a Patient with Recurrent Invasive Thymoma. Intern Med 2017; 56:3317-3322. [PMID: 29021446 PMCID: PMC5790720 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.9224-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
A 68-year-old man was admitted to our hospital to undergo an examination for nephrotic syndrome while concurrently complicated with recurrent thymoma in the parietal pleura and retroperitoneum. He had been diagnosed with invasive thymoma and had undergone thymo-thymectomy seven years previously. Based on the renal biopsy findings, his nephrotic syndrome was ascribed to minimal change disease. He was treated with corticosteroid monotherapy, which resulted in complete remission six months later, despite the fact that the recurrent thymoma remained. The role of thymoma in the pathogenesis of paraneoplastic glomerulopathy and the therapeutic concerns that emerged in this case are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Myoga
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Tetsu Akimoto
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Naoko Mato
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Takakiyo Nakaya
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Takuya Murakami
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Yoshizawa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Saki Nakagawa
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Atsushi Miki
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Takahiro Masuda
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Takahisa Kobayashi
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Yuko Ono
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Dokkyo Medical University Koshigaya Hospital, Japan
| | - Osamu Saito
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Ueda
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Dokkyo Medical University Koshigaya Hospital, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Muto
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nagata
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Jichi Medical University, Japan
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Iijima T, Hoshino J, Takaichi K, Kohno T, Fujii T, Ohashi K, Ubara Y. Lupus Nephritis with Thymoma Managed by Thoracoscopic Surgery and Prednisolone. Intern Med 2017; 56:3311-3316. [PMID: 29249764 PMCID: PMC5790719 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.8966-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital to undergo evaluation for fatigue, severe weight loss, and nephrotic range proteinuria. Light microscopy of a renal biopsy specimen revealed class III (A) lupus nephritis, while immunofluorescence and electron microscopy only showed sparse immune deposits with findings that were not typical of lupus nephritis. Computed tomography revealed a mass in the anterior mediastinum, which was resected. The examination of the surgical specimen revealed type A noninvasive thymoma. In combination with thymomectomy, postoperative steroid therapy achieved the prompt remission of lupus nephritis. In this patient, thymoma-related autoimmunity may have contributed to the exacerbation of lupus nephritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kenmei Takaichi
- Nephrology Center, Toranomon Hospital Kajigaya, Japan
- Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
| | - Tadashi Kohno
- Department of Chest Surgery, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
| | | | - Kenichi Ohashi
- Department of Pathology, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University, Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Ubara
- Nephrology Center, Toranomon Hospital Kajigaya, Japan
- Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
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