Systemic lupus erythematosus with podocyte infolding glomerulopathy: A case report and literature review

Rationale:Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy (PIG) is a rare glomerular disease, its diagnosis mainly depends on pathological manifestations of the kidney. Few clinical cases of PIG have been reported, but it is sometimes associated with connective tissue diseases. Here we describe a case of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with PIG and undertake a review of the literature.Patient concerns:A 34-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital in August 2019 with repeated facial erythema and proteinuria for more than 10 years. The patient was previously diagnosed with SLE.Diagnosis:Systemic lupus erythematosus.Interventions:Renal biopsy was performed to investigate ongoing proteinuria and the results were consistent with PIG. Treatment with methylprednisolone, hydroxychloroquine sulfate, mycophenolate mofetil, and candesartan ester.Outcomes:Improved the patient's condition and resolved the proteinuria.Lessons:This study reported a case of PIG and SLE. The patient was diagnosed according to biopsy, and the disease remain stable after immunosuppressive therapy. It is recommended to carefully study renal biopsies from patients with proteinuria and underlying autoimmune diseases to identify additional cases.