Drusen and Other Retinal Findings in People With IgA Glomerulonephritis

Abstract

PurposeRetinal drusen have been described in people with IgA nephropathy. We examined the frequency of drusen in IgA nephropathy, and compared their location and composition with those for drusen in age-related macular degeneration. DesignImmunohistological case series of eyes of patients with IgA nephropathy, and a comparison eye with age-related macular degeneration. MethodsDonor eyes from four individuals (3 male, one female, aged 40 – 80 years) with biopsy-proven IgA nephropathy and kidney failure were examined for the presence of drusen, and location and composition using antibodies for vitronectin, IgA, IgM, IgG, C3 and C1q. Results were compared with those for drusen in macular degeneration without IgA nephropathy. ResultsAll four donors had sparse, sub-retinal pigment epithelium drusen about 55-65 μm diameter, that stained for vitronectin, but not for IgA or complement. All donors had retinal capillaries and choriocapillaris staining for IgA. The youngest donor (F, 40) had rare deposits in the outer nuclear layer that stained for IgA, but not for vitronectin. The oldest donor (M, 82) had large cyst-like spaces in the inner nuclear and plexiform layers, and smaller cysts in the outer nuclear layer, with no staining for IgA or complement. ConclusionsRetinal drusen are uncommon in IgA nephropathy, even with kidney failure. Drusen in IgA nephropathy resemble drusen found in age-related macular degeneration. IgA-staining deposits in the outer nuclear layer were likely due to systemic deposition of IgA and complement activation. The nature of cystic spaces is unknown. Further analysis of the retinae of people with glomerulonephritis is recommended.