Granulomatous interstitial nephritis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

Abstract

We present a case of granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN) associated with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). GIN is a rare pathological finding noted in renal biopsy specimens. Furthermore, CLL does not usually cause GIN. In this case, acute renal injury probably resulted from GIN, and urgent dialysis was required, despite sufficient chemotherapy. Immunohistochemical analyses of a biopsy specimen revealed invasion of CD20+ CLL cells, surrounded by reactive T cells, and granuloma formation. Thus, CLL may induce secondary interstitial nephritis as a granulomatous reaction. © 2010 The Author. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.