HIV-associated immune complex kidney disease with C3-dominant deposition induced by HIV infection after treatment of IgA nephropathy

Abstract

A 57-year-old man was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy. Hematuria and proteinuria were improved by tonsillectomy plus methylprednisolone pulse therapy. Lymphadenopathy, hypocomplementemia and pancytopenia were observed six years later, and urinalysis abnormalities recurred. A biopsy revealed mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis with C3-dominant deposition. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody demonstrated positive conversion. He was diagnosed with HIV-associated immune complex kidney disease (HIVICK). The hematuria, proteinuria and hypocomplementemia were improved by reducing the HIV viral load through antiretroviral therapy. When C3-dominant deposition is observed on a renal biopsy, HIVICK must be differentiated.