End-stage renal failure due to crescentic glomerulonephritis in a patient with Behçet's syndrome. Review of the literature

Am J Nephrol. 1998;18(4):321-4. doi: 10.1159/000013358.

Abstract

We report a rare case of a patient with Behçet's syndrome who developed end-stage renal failure due to crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). A 20-year-old male patient had suffered from uveitis, aphthous mouth ulcers and genital ulceration for the past 7 years. His renal function rapidly deteriorated and renal biopsy specimens obtained when his serum creatinine level was 3 mg/dl showed diffuse proliferative GN with fibrous crescent formation in 75% of glomeruli excluding totally sclerotic glomeruli. Immune complexes were identified by demonstration of complement and immunoglobulins in the glomeruli. He developed end-stage renal failure during a 1-year course and received maintenance hemodialysis. We reviewed the literature on severe forms of GN in patients with Behçet's syndrome.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behcet Syndrome / complications*
  • Biopsy
  • Glomerulonephritis / etiology*
  • Glomerulonephritis / pathology
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / etiology*
  • Kidney Glomerulus / pathology
  • Male