ASN's Mission

To create a world without kidney diseases, the ASN Alliance for Kidney Health elevates care by educating and informing, driving breakthroughs and innovation, and advocating for policies that create transformative changes in kidney medicine throughout the world.

learn more

Contact ASN

1401 H St, NW, Ste 900, Washington, DC 20005

email@asn-online.org

202-640-4660

The Latest on X

Kidney Week

Abstract: PUB301

A Case of Retroperitoneal Fibrosis in Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia: Coincidence or Association?

Session Information

Category: Onconephrology

  • 1700 Onconephrology

Authors

  • Alvarado, Analicia Marie, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
  • Kshatri, Michael Ranjan, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
  • Woldemichael, Jobira A., Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
Introduction

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare fibroinflammatory disorder characterized by the proliferation of fibrous tissue in the retroperitoneal space. While typically idiopathic, RPF can also be secondary to malignancies, infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain medications. Acute kidney injury in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) can be a result of several mechanisms, including prerenal, glomerular injury, tubulointerstitial involvement, lysozyme-induced nephropathy, and leukemic infiltration. Given CMML’s potential for systemic effects and immune dysregulation, atypical fibrotic manifestations like RPF could occur.

Case Description

A 71-year-old male presented with generalized malaise and abdominal pain. Initial labs revealed acute kidney injury with a creatinine of 2.1 mg/dL (baseline 1.4 mg/dL). MRI of abdomen revealed bilateral perinephric stranding, periureteral thickening, and perivascular involvement along with bilateral hydronephrosis (Figure1).

Due to concern for obstructive uropathy, bilateral ureteral stents were placed. Despite intervention, renal function worsened necessitating hemodialysis temporarily. Extensive workups for secondary causes of RPF were negative. IgG4 levels were normal. Renal biopsy demonstrated diffuse acute tubular necrosis with isometric vacuolization and mild interstitial fibrosis.

The peripheral smear showed persistent monocytosis, prompting hematologic evaluation. Bone marrow biopsy confirmed CMML. The patient’s renal function gradually improved while on corticosteroids for presumed RPF.

Discussion

This case highlights a rare presentation of RPF in a patient with newly diagnosed CMML. The differentiation between idiopathic and secondary RPF remains challenging. In the absence of frequently reported direct association or histopathologic evidence linking CMML to RPF, the case may represent a coincidental occurrence. However, Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for atypical presentations of acute kidney injury in hematologic malignancies like CMML.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)