Collagen type III glomerulopathy: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

To summarize the clinical and pathological features of collagen type III glomerulopathy, the present report describes a case of collagen type III glomerulopathy and reviewed more than 60 cases recorded by other groups in English literature over the last few years. A 24-year-old female patient was admitted because of lower limbs edema, without any other discomforts. The lab examination of the patient reported proteinuria (2.42 g/24 h urine), microscopic hematuria, and the serum creatinine was 71 µmol/L. She received renal biopsy. The immunofluorescence staining results showed that collagen type III expression was positive. The electron microscopy examination showed that the mesangial regions were widened, with visible fine fibers in it. The periodic stripes of collagen fibers could be seen on some fine fiber-like substance under a high-magnification microscope, the diameters of the fiber-like substances were 40 - 70 nm. Serum collagen type III N-peptide (PIIIP N-P) was 97.94 ng/mL. After the patient received benazepril 10 mg per day and symptomatic treatments (Chinese drug, Cordyceps Capsules 0.5 g per day), her proteinuria resolved (~ 0.5 g/24 hour urine).