Tubular basement membrane deposits after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Abstract

Abstract Background Extraglomerular immune complex deposition is rare and only a few membranous nephropathy cases with tubular basement membrane deposits have been reported following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Case presentation We reported a 56-year-old man with increased serum creatinine after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation who underwent a renal biopsy. Tubular interstitial nephritis was identified on light microscope. The unique histologic features were diffuse tubular basement membrane immune complex deposition detected by both immunofluorescence and electron microscopy, while the glomerular involvement was inconspicuous. The differential diagnosis from other forms of tubular basement membrane deposition is discussed. Conclusion The potential pathogenesis in our patient likely involves chronic graft-vs-host disease driven antibodies against tubular basement membrane components. However, the target antigen remains unknown.