Renal amyloidosis in leprosy, an infrequent cause of nephrotic syndrome in Europe

Abstract

<p class="first" id="d6210985e164">Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by <i>Mycobacterium leprae</i>. The main clinical manifestations involve the skin and the peripheral nervous system. Several types of nephropathy have been described in leprosy. One frequent form of renal involvement is amyloidosis, especially in patients with lepromatous leprosy. In these patients, end-stage renal disease is an important contributor to morbidity and mortality. Here, we present the case of a patient with nephrotic syndrome caused by secondary amyloidosis, chronic peripheral neuropathy and a history of leprosy. The patient was correctly treated in her youth, which is the best way to avoid renal pathology, but she developed a nephrotic syndrome years later. </p>