Rapidly Progressive Lupus Nephritis With Concurrent Anti‐GBM and ANCA Positivity: A Rare Case Report
<b>Background:</b> Rapidly progressive lupus nephritis (LN) with concurrent positivity for anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibodies and antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) represents an exceptionally rare and severe autoimmune overlap. Early identification and timely intervention are critical to prevent irreversible renal damage. <b>Case Presentation:</b> A 23-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus presented with acute kidney injury, nephrotic-range proteinuria, pancytopenia, and a SLEDAI score of 41. Serologic tests revealed high-titer anti-GBM antibodies and dual ANCA positivity (MPO and PR3) by the ELISA technique. Although the patient experienced mild hemoptysis and a significant drop in hemoglobin, MSCT of pulmonary vasculature and parenchyma did not reveal alveolar hemorrhage or vascular lesions. Due to contraindications to renal biopsy, she was empirically treated with pulse-dose corticosteroids and plasma exchange, followed by oral corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil. Anti-GBM antibodies became undetectable after seven sessions. The patient achieved full clinical, biochemical, and renal remission within 2 months. <b>Conclusion:</b> This case highlights the importance of early serologic evaluation and prompt immunosuppressive therapy in rapidly progressive LN with anti-GBM/ANCA overlap, particularly when histopathological confirmation is not feasible.
Authors
- Van Khanh Bui (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4271-6133)
- Thi Mai Hương Nguyen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1714-1144)
- Hoa Pham (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7518-3863)
- Minh Hoang Nguyen (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1784-0842)
- Hoang Phuong Nguyen
- Ngoc Thai
- Tong Cao
- Van Dan Bui
- Van T. Ly
Institutions
- Hanoi Medical University (VN)
- Bạch Mai Hospital (VN)
- Viet Duc Hospital (VN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Case Reports in Nephrology
- Published
- 2025-01-01
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1155/crin/4767868
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.67