A Case of Sarcoidosis Associated with Renal Failure in a Kidney Transplant Patient / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Sarcoidosis, systemic inflammatory disease characterized by non-caseating granulomas, is rarely associated with renal failure in a kidney transplant. We report a 51-year-old woman with a kidney transplant who was diagnosed to have renal sarcoidosis. After 7 years of renal transplantation, the patient presented with relatively rapid deterioration of renal function and, subsequently, she underwent kidney transplant biopsy. Renal biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis with non-caseating granulomas compatible with granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN). She was also found to have granulomatous lymphadenitis and skin lesions. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was made based on histopathologic findings, the high serum angiotensin converting enzyme level and exclusions of other causes of GIN including tuberculosis, ANCA associated glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome. The patient was started on oral prednisolone, and subsequently her renal function improved.