IgA nephropathy in a patient presenting with scleritis

Abstract

Scleritis is a very uncommon manifestation in patients with IgA nephropathy. Here, we report the case of a patient presenting with diffuse anterior scleritis in which the laboratory disclosed microscopic haematuria and nephrotic range proteinuria. Renal function was normal. Serology for lupus, vasculitis and cryoglobulinaemia was negative. Rheumatoid factor was negative, and serum C3 and serum C4 were on the normal range. Serology for human immunodeficiency virus types 1 and 2, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, syphilis, and Lyme disease was also negative. A renal biopsy was performed and revealed IgA nephropathy. Oral steroids were then started, and 6 months later, the patient was asymptomatic. Scleritis did not recur, and ophthalmologic examination was normal; however, proteinuria was still in non-nephrotic range. Renal function still remains normal. © 2010 The Author . Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.