Back to Blog

Diagnose This (January 17, 2022)

Clarissa Cassol, MD renal pathologist at arkana laboratories
By Clarissa Cassol, MD

Jan 18, 2022

collapsing glomerulopathy in APOL1

This is the albumin immunofluorescence stain from a biopsy from a patient with recent COVID pneumonia and nephrotic syndrome. What is your diagnosis?

​ ​   ​   ​ ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​   ​ ​   ​ ​   ​ ​   ​ ​     ​

 

This is a case of collapsing glomerulopathy, which is most commonly seen in African Americans in association with APOL1 high-risk alleles. It can be seen in a variety of clinical settings including viral infections, autoimmune disease, and certain drugs, among others.  Recently, collapsing glomerulopathy cases have been reported in patients with COVID-19.

 

References:
Velez, J.C.Q., Caza, T. & Larsen, C.P. COVAN is the new HIVAN: the re-emergence of collapsing glomerulopathy with COVID-19. Nat Rev Nephrol 2020;16(10):565-567.

Wu H, Larsen CP et al. AKI and Collapsing Glomerulopathy Associated with COVID-19 and APOL1 High-Risk Genotype. JASN 2020 Jun;31:1688-1695.

May, Rebecca M. et al. A multi-center retrospective cohort study defines the spectrum of kidney pathology in Coronavirus 2019 Disease (COVID-19). Kid Int 2021 (In Press Journal Pre-Proof Published Online: Aug 2, 2021).

Tags:

Quick note: This post is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or health advice. Each person should consult their own doctor with respect to matters referenced. Arkana Laboratories assumes no liability for actions taken in reliance upon the information contained herein.