Acute renal failure in a patient with AIDS: Histoplasmosis-induced granulomatous interstitial nephritis

Abstract

Although the most frequent cause of acute renal failure (ARF) in patients with AIDS is acute tubular necrosis (ATN) secondary to ischemic renal injury from septicemia, a spectrum of causes may result in ARF in these patients. We report a patient with AIDS who developed ARF and was found to have granulomatous interstitial nephritis as a result of disseminated histoplasmosis. Histoplasma capsulatum was seen in the interstitium of the kidney on renal biopsy. The patient was treated with amphotericin B and itraconazole. Although he continues to require hemodialysis 3 months after his initial presentation, his other presenting symptoms have resolved with antifungal therapy. We also discuss the literature on disseminated histoplasmosis and renal failure. (Am J Kidney Dis 1998 Jul;32(2):E3)