A case of thromboembolic events as first manifestation of membranous nephropathy

Abstract

We present a case of idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis that presented with venous thromboembolism and was successfully managed with corticosteroid, cyclosporin, appropriate anticoagulant therapy. A 59-year old male patient was referred to our nephrology department who had an outpatient history of swelling in the feet and flank pain was detected proteinuria and thrombosis in the inferior vena cava. Warfarin sodium treatment was started when thrombus was detected in the femoral vein, renal vein and inferior vena cava in the imaging. The patient had 12 g/day proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, hyperlipidemia and antiphospholipase A2 receptor antibody positivity and treatment was started with the diagnosis of idiopathic membranous nephropathy. The patient who was discharged with oral steroid, cyclosporine and warfarin sodium, but warfarin sodium was changed to rivaroxaban in another clinic due to incompatibility problems, was presented again with dsypnea. Pulmonary embolism was detected. Rivaroxaban was discontinued and low molecular weight heparin treatment was started. There was a very high risk of morbidity and mortality and with appropriate treatment, clinical status and renal function were stabilized. In conclusion, although thromboembolism can be seen in nephrotic syndrome, it may rarely be encountered as the first presentation of nephrotic syndrome. This situation should not be overlooked, appropriate treatments should be provided without delay.