Hyperthyroidism associated with obesity-related glomerulopathy-like pathologic features

Abstract

Thyroid dysfunction is related to many kidney diseases. We herein present the case of a 39-year-old woman who exhibited obesity-related glomerulopathy-like pathologic features in combination with hyperthyroidism. She displayed hyperthyroidism in spite of receiving anti-thyroid drug treatment, with massive proteinuria (4.5 g/gCr). A renal biopsy demonstrated glomerular hypertrophy (average diameter, 280 μm) and an increased number of capillary vessels, both of which are compatible with a diagnosis of obesity-related glomerulopathy. Following thyroidectomy, the proteinuria gradually decreased in association with an improvement in hyperphagia and normalization of the thyroid function. Obesity-related nephropathy associated with hyperthyroidism is very rare. In this report, we discuss the relationship between hyperthyroidism and obesity-related glomerulopathy-like pathologic features. © 2014 The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine.