Tubulointerstitial nephritis and Uveitis syndrome with non Caseating granuloma in bone marrow biopsy

Abstract

The Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis syndrome is a very rare condition, probably under-diagnosed in clinical practice. It is characterized by the combination of an interstitial nephritis and uveitis, and is an exclusion diagnosis. Tissue non caseating granuloma can be rarely present, with only 6 cases reported on bone marrow. We present a case of a 55 year old female with a 3-month history of asthenia and weight loss. Blood tests showed anemia and renal insufficiency. Renal biopsy revealed interstitial nephritis and the bone marrow biopsy showed caseating granuloma. One month later anterior uveitis of the left eye appeared. An extensive exclusion of all possible causes allowed a diagnosis of Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis syndrome with caseating granuloma in bone marrow. As ocular and renal manifestations may not occur simultaneously, Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome should be systematically considered in cases of interstitial nephritis and/or uveitis, and tissue granulomas can be part of this rare syndrome. © Ordem dos Médicos 2014.