Renal‐Limited Cryofibrinogen‐Associated Glomerulonephritis Diagnosed Using Electron Microscopy
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Cryofibrinogen-associated glomerulonephritis (CryoFiGN) is a rare, diagnostically challenging cause of nephrotic syndrome, and its clinical presentation can vary considerably. Herein, we report the case of a 76-year-old man who presented with nephrotic syndrome; biopsy showed a C3-dominant membranoproliferative pattern of injury. Electron microscopy revealed organised subendothelial microtubular deposits (40-80 nm), confirming CryoFiGN, despite inconclusive results on mass spectrometry. The patient progressed to end-stage kidney disease and later developed systemic vasculitis with skin ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. CryoFiGN may initially manifest as a renal-limited disease and evolve into systemic vasculitis. Electron microscopy is pivotal for diagnosis when proteomic analysis is inconclusive and long-term surveillance is warranted.
Source: Nephrology
DOI: 10.1111/nep.70189
Institution: University of Miyazaki
Language: English
Subfield: Nephrology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7140178945