A case of Takayasu arteritis complicated with glomerulonephropathy mimicking membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis: a case report and review of the literature

In this report, we describe the case of a 50-year-old Japanese woman with Takayasu arteritis who developed severe proteinuria and renal dysfunction. Abdominal computed tomography did not show narrowing of both renal arteries. Although her levels of C-reactive protein were negative, plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and serum interleukin (IL)-6 levels were elevated. Renal biopsy showed glomerulonephropathy mimicking membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) with glomerular capillary wall thickening (double contour). This was accompanied by mesangial cell proliferation and moderate increase of mesangial matrix without deposits of C3. These findings are quite different from MPGN as electron microscopy did not show subendothelial deposit and circumferential mesangial interposition. Here, we present the case of Takayasu arteritis associated with MPGN-like renal manifestation and elevated VEGF and IL-6. The presence of elevated VEGF and IL-6 could be factors that might contribute to MPGN-like appearance.