A rare cause of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: sarcoidosis.

A 58-year-old female patient diagnosed as having sarcoidosis 23 years ago developed nephrotic syndrome. No pathology was found which could explain this, so it was attributed to her sarcoidosis. Renal biopsy showed global and segmental sclerosis. The occurrence of focal segmentary glomerulosclerosis in a case of sarcoidosis is rare. In systemic sarcoidosis it is thought that T-cell dysfunction may play a role in the pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis. When treatment is considered, corticosteroid therapy may be used according to the clinical status at diagnosis as well as on follow-up of the patient.
(Copyright 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel)