Fanconi syndrome in lymphoma patients: report of the first case series

Abstract

Background: Fanconi syndrome (FS) is a generalized transport defect in the proximal renal tubule leading to renal losses of phosphate, calcium, uric acid, bicarbonates as well as glucose, amino acids and other organic compounds. It is caused by inherited or acquired disorders including low mass or high mass multiple myeloma.

Objectives: To report the first case series of patients with lymphoma and FS.

Design, setting, participants, and measurements: Patients with lymphoma and FS were identified in the nephrology department of two teaching hospitals in Paris, France and Ghent, Belgium. FS was defined by the presence of at least three out of the four following criteria: hypophosphataemia, metabolic acidosis, normoglycaemic glucosuria and hypokalaemia. Patients files were reviewed and relevant data were collected.

Results: Eight patients with lymphoma and FS were identified. In six patients, the lymphoma was of the acute T cell leukaemia/lymphoma (ATLL) type, related to human T cell lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV1) infection. In all patients, FS was severe requiring supplementation. A kidney biopsy performed in a patient with post-transplantation primary renal lymphoma disclosed intense proximal tubule infiltration by lymphomatous cells. In one patient with ATLL, FS features regressed following the successful treatment of lymphoma.

Conclusion: Patients with lymphoma require careful monitoring for features of FS; lymphoma should also be added to the spectrum of disorders associated to FS. Prospective studies are needed to ascertain the implication of HTLV1 in the genesis of FS.