Rapidly progressive renal failure--a rare presentation of granulomatous interstitial nephritis due to tuberculosis--case report and review of literature

Abstract

Granulomatous interstitial nephritis (GIN) is a rare manifestation of renal tuberculosis (TB). We report a case of rapidly progressive renal failure (RPRF), granulomatous inflammation of cervical lymph node and GIN as presenting manifestations of TB. Aspiration cytology of cervical lymph node showed granulomatous necrotizing inflammation with acid-fast bacilli (AFB). The renal biopsy and urine specimen did not show AFB. Urine polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for Mycobacterium tuberculosis was positive. We observe that GIN due to TB can present as RPRF and emphasize the value of PCR-based techniques in making a correct diagnosis.