Remission of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with a noncirrhotic portosystemic shunt after percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization

Abstract

We present a case of a 75-year-old man with nephrotic syndrome and renal insufficiency caused by immune complex-mediated secondary membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. He developed hepatic encephalopathy. A congenital portosystemic shunt was identified, indicating a diagnosis of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with noncirrhotic portosystemic shunt. Proteinuria resolved after shunt ratio reduction by percutaneous transhepatic portal vein embolization. Renal function and histopathological findings improved without immunosuppressive therapy. This case emphasizes the role of a high shunt ratio and reduced hepatic clearance of circulating immune complexes in such nephropathy. Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis with a shunt may cause refractory nephrotic syndrome, but embolization is effective. © The Author [2009].