Rapidly progressive renal failure due to tubulointerstitial infiltration of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified accompanied by uveitis: a case report

BACKGROUND: Rapid decline in renal dysfunction due to primary renal lymphoma, or secondary renal lymphoma by infiltration from a primary origin, is extremely rare. There are notably few reports indicating infiltration of T-cell lymphoma into the kidney. CASE PRESENTATION: A 61-year-old woman with a sudden body rash and liver dysfunction was brought to our hospital presenting with a dull headache and blurred vision. Laboratory tests revealed rapidly progressive renal failure. Histological examination of the kidney and skin indicated infiltration of peripheral T-cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS). Infiltration of PTCL-NOS to the liver and spleen, and presence of Uveitis masquerade syndrome were suspected. Imaging showed that the lesion was limited to extralymphatic organs. Renal function was improved with administration of steroids, including pulse steroid therapy, before administering cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (CHOP) therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of rapidly progressive renal failure caused by perivascular tubulointerstitial nephritis with the direct invasion of PTCL-NOS. In our case, a single steroid dose showed dramatic results with respect to renal symptoms.