Epitope Spreading: The Underlying Mechanism for Combined Membranous Lupus Nephritis and Anti-GBM Disease?

Membranous lupus nephritis associated with anti-GBM antibodies is a rare entity, particularly in lupus nephritis patients who are serologically negative for ANA and anti-dsDNA with normal complement levels. We present an unusual case of a patient initially diagnosed with anti-GBM disease whose repeat biopsy demonstrated combined focal proliferative and membranous lupus nephritis (III + V). The first biopsy showed a granular linear pattern, and the second biopsy had multiple electron dense deposits in the subendothelial, epithelial, and mesangial regions along with podocyte effacement. Experimental research suggests that the sequential histopathological transition observed may reflect the action of immunological rearrangement and epitope spreading.

Suppression of Parathyroid Hormone in a Patient with Severe Magnesium Depletion.

Hypomagnesemia is often associated with coexisting electrolyte abnormalities like hypokalemia and hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia has been shown to be secondary to hypoparathyroidism induced by hypomagnesemia. Here, we discuss a case of a patient with severe hypomagnesemia and associated hypocalcemia. A 38-year-old lady was admitted to the hospital for weakness of lower extremities and an eventual fall. The exam was significant for decreased motor strength and some paresthesias. The laboratory data was significant for hypomagnesemia, hypokalemia, and low parathyroid level in the face of hypocalcemia. After replacing magnesium, the parathyroid hormone levels normalized and led to eventual correction of calcium levels without any additional calcium replacement therapy. There was complete symptom resolution with correction of electrolyte abnormalities. This case highlights the importance of looking for all associated abnormalities in a patient with hypomagnesemia and starting the replacement therapy by first replacing the magnesium and then the others as needed. Replacing the magnesium alone may correct the hypoparathyroidism and eliminate the need for calcium replacement.

A rare case of renal recovery in a young patient with multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an uncommon hematologic malignancy accounting for 1% of all malignancies. Renal involvement is a common complication of MM. Rapid intervention to reverse renal dysfunction may be critical for management, especially in patients with light chain cast nephropathy. Recovery rate ranges from 5% to 15%. We describe an atypical presentation of MM in a young patient who presented with severe renal insufficiency requiring renal replacement therapy and achieved complete renal recovery with chemotherapy.

Giant trichobezoar and gastric perforation in a normal healthy woman.

We present a case report of a mentally healthy woman who had gastric trichobezoar leading to perforation. A pertinent review of literature is included.