A case report of ocular tuberculosis in a patient with membranous nephropathy

摘要

Rationale: Membranous nephropathy (MN), a chronic kidney disease (CKD), due to hypoproteinemia, malnutrition, anemia, long-term intake of immunosuppressive agents, changes in cellular immune state, and decrease in antimicrobial peptides, is a high risk for Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) infection, which can cause tuberculosis (TB). TB manifests by various clinical symptoms. Ocular symptoms is a rare presentation of TB. Here, we describe a case of ocular tuberculosis in a patient with MN. Patient concerns: A 63-year-old man with membranous nephropathy (MN) history presented with ocular symptoms. Diagnoses: According to the pathological manifestations of ocular tissue biopsy and a positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on samples from sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), we elicited a diagnosis of disseminated tuberculosis. Intervention: The patient received antituberculous therapy and immunosuppressive therapy. Outcomes: The clinical manifestations significantly improved. Lessons: Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of TB in cases of immunocompromised patients and perform an appropriate diagnostic work-up for TB.