Case report of 16-year-old male with tubulointerstitial nephritis with refractory uveitis in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Tubulointerstitial nephritis with uveitis (TINU) syndrome is a condition characterized by uveitis with tubulointerstitial nephritis in the absence of another systemic condition. Case Presentation: We report a case of a 16-year-old boy referred to our hospital due to elevated renal function and a 7-day history of unilateral eye congestion. An ophthalmologist made the diagnosis of left eye anterior uveitis. The diagnosis of acute kidney injury was made. A renal biopsy was obtained and showed tubulointerstitial nephritis with granulomatous inflammation and foreign body giant cell reaction. The patient improved after initiating corticosteroid therapy with a tapering dose. Conclusion: TINU syndrome is a rare clinical condition that can present unusually and can be misdiagnosed. Hence, physicians should be familiar with this condition to diagnose it and start proper treatment without delay. The patient should follow up with ophthalmologists, nephrologists, and primary physicians for a better treatment outcome. The outcome is usually excellent with treatment, but some patients may have recurrent uveitis.