Primary focal segmental glomerulosclerosis recurring rapidly as collapsing glomerulopathy in a renal allograft recipient

Abstract

Recurrent focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) develops in about 30%-40% of patients of FSGS undergoing renal transplantation. We report a patient who received a live- related renal transplant for end-stage renal disease due to a primary FSGS (not otherwise specified) in the native kidney and presented with graft dysfunction in the immediate posttransplant period. The first and the second biopsy showed no evidence of rejection or glomerular lesion. A repeat biopsy done on the 30th day revealed recurrent FSGS morphologically presenting as collapsing variant. The patient was found to have massive proteinuria. Electron microscopy done retrospectively showed glomerular foot process effacement even in the first biopsy. This case highlights the presence of an early minimal change disease-like phase in recurrent FSGS and the necessity of evaluation for proteinuria even in immediate and early posttransplant period. It also shows that different variants of FSGS may represent a spectrum of the same disease and suggests a likely role of a pathogenic circulating factor even in collapsing FSGS requiring further evaluation.