Work

Seronegative Cryoglobulinemic Glomerulonephritis Coexisting With Primary Sjögren Syndrome and HBV Infection: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis (CryoGN) is most often caused by mixed cryoglobulinemia, encompassing both type II and type III forms. CryoGN is commonly associated with hepatitis C virus infection or primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). We report a rare case of serum-negative CryoGN that was associated with concomitant pSS and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Kidney biopsy pathology revealed necrotizing and acute exudative proliferative glomerulonephritis with crescents, necrotizing arteritis, interstitial lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrates, and organized deposits with characteristic features of cryoglobulin based on electron microscopy. The patient was first treated with entecavir for HBV suppression, followed by pulse steroids and rituximab, resulting in resolution of kidney dysfunction and proteinuria. This case underscores the importance of kidney biopsy in diagnosing CryoGN in the absence of serum positivity within the appropriate clinical context. It also highlights the role of combination therapy in targeting multiple pathogenic pathways that drive chronic immune stimulation and/or lymphoproliferation. The coexistence of pSS and HBV can trigger CryoGN. A multidisciplinary and individualized therapeutic approach (antiviral and immunosuppressive) can lead to an excellent renal response.

Source: Kidney Medicine

DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2026.101292

Authors: Jianling Tao, Anobel Tamrazi, Johnny Cai, Claribel P. Taylor, David J. Fischer, John P. Higgins

Institutions: Palo Alto Medical Foundation, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Renal Diseases and Glomerulopathies

Subfield: Nephrology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,590