Case Report: Pneumomediastinum and pulmonary embolism in a 19-year-old with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: a rare double-complication of corticosteroid therapy
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Background: Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a common aetiology of nephrotic syndrome and a leading cause of end-stage renal disease. Corticosteroid therapy is considered the first-line treatment in patients with proteinuria, but it carries a heterogeneous range of common and rare complications. Case summary: We report the case of a 19-year-old patient, recently diagnosed with FSGS secondary to anabolic steroid use and receiving glucocorticoid therapy, who presented to our emergency department with acute respiratory distress and neck swelling. He was subsequently diagnosed with pneumomediastinum and acute bilateral saddle pulmonary embolism (PE). Discussion: The rare occurrence of FSGS treated with glucocorticoid therapy, complicated by severe thromboembolic events and pneumomediastinum, emphasizes the complexity of managing the treatment of a young patient by balancing the risks and benefits and tailoring the dosage to achieve maximal therapeutic effect with minimal adverse events. Conclusion: Close monitoring should be provided to patients with a procoagulant status due to nephrotic syndrome, as well as to those at additional risk from corticosteroid treatment.
Authors: Demetra Emanuela Rotaru, Alexandru Achim
Language: English
Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4415686046