Recurrent angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia mimicking temporal arteritis associated with nephrotic syndrome

Abstract

We report on a middle-aged Caucasian male who presented with nephrotic syndrome that on 2 consecutive recurrences was accompanied by a pulsating tumor suggesting temporal arteritis. Renal biopsies showed features of a low-grade mesangial-proliferative glomerulonephritis. The resected tumor in the temporal region revealed a lesion consistent with angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE), with moderate inflammatory involvement of the temporal artery. The patient was successfully treated with oral prednisolone in addition to removal of the tumor, but has remained steroid-dependent. To our knowledge, only 2 cases of ALHE and nephrotic syndrome have been reported so far in non-Japanese individuals [Altman et al. 1995, Sonkodi et al. 1987], and we are not aware of any previous case combining these features while simultaneuosly mimicking temporal arteritis.