Membranoproliferative Glomerulonephritis in a Nigerian Adolescent with Congenital Solitary Kidney: Unraveling the Cause of Mortality

Abstract

Background: Unilateral renal agenesis (URA) or solitary kidney usually presents as non-ectopic solitary functioning kidney (SFK) with absent contra-lateral kidney. Although it is compatible with normal longevity, recent studies indicate that arterial hypertension, proteinuria, impaired renal function as well as glomerulosclerosis are potential complications. Case Report: We report a male adolescent patient who presented pre-mortem with features of acute renal failure and lobar pneumonia. Post-mortem examination revealed a solitary kidney with light microscopic findings suggesting membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) as the fundamental disease. The short duration of hospitalization and paucity of diagnostic facilities precluded a more accurate confirmation and classification of the glomerular disease. This report however highlights possible pathological scenarios, as well as the handicaps in the practice of Nephrology in this environment.

Key words: Renal agenesis; acute renal failure; lobar pneumonia