Kartagener syndrome with minimal change disease: a case report

Abstract

Background: Kartagener syndrome is characterized by chronic sinusitis, bronchiectasis, and total visceral transposition. While there are few reports of Kartagener syndrome combined with kidney disease, there are none that specifically report Kartagener syndrome in conjunction with minimal change disease. This is the first report of a rare case of Kartagener syndrome with minimal change disease, which presented with the typical triad and was clinically diagnosed. Case presentation: A 24-year-old Chinese woman was admitted to the hospital with 2 weeks of foamy urine and edema of the eyelid and lower limbs. After admission, the examination indicated nephrotic syndrome and total visceral transposition. Computed tomography imaging revealed sinusitis bronchiectasis, and she was diagnosed with minimal change disease with Kartagener syndrome. A renal biopsy revealed minimal changes. After symptomatic antiinflammatory therapy, the patient was given telmisartan 50 mg orally once daily to reduce urinary protein levels. A total of 1 month after discharge, her 24-h urine protein content was < 1 g, with normal liver function and improved kidney disease. Conclusion: We describe a rare case of Kartagener syndrome accompanied by glomerular disease and minimal change disease. The patient was treated symptomatically with antiinflammatory agents and will be monitored long term. We believe our findings will provide valuable guidance and reference for the treatment of such cases in the future.