A case of paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome in a patient with ovarian carcinoma

Yong Tai Kim, Sun Young Rha, Chi Young Shim, Joo Hyuk Sohn, Chul Kim, Nae Choon Yu, Hyun Cheol Chung, Joo Hang Kim, Dae Suk Han, Byung Soo Kim, Jae Kyung Roh

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Nephrotic syndrome is a rare manifestation of malignancy associated with paraneoplastic syndrome. Paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome has been reported in various malignancies: malignant lymphoma, colon cancer, lung cancer and prostate cancer. However, an ovarian carcinoma associated with nephrotic syndrome has rarely been reported. Only six cases of ovarian carcinoma associated paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome has been reported worldwide, but no cases have been reported in Korea. Here, we report a case of paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome in a patient with an ovarian carcinoma. The patient presented with ascites, proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. An initial computed tomography (CT) scan and ultrasonograpby, evaluations showed no specific findings suggestive of an ovarian tumor. Despite treatment for nephrotic syndrome, the symptoms became more aggravated. There after, follow up evaluation at Yonsei University Medical Center, including serum CA 125, pelvis MRI and peritoneal fluid examination were performed. On the pelvis MRI, a left ovarian mass was detected with an ascitic fluid collection. The serum CA 125 level was elevated to 2211 U/ml. The peritoneal fluid cytological examination showed malignant cells suggestive of an ovarian carcinoma. Combination chemotherapies including paclitaxel plus carboplatin, topotecan plus gemcitabine and oxaliplatin plus capecitabine were administered to the patient, and complete remission was achieved on image and tumor marker studies. There was complete recovery from the nephrotic syndrome with no evidence of ascites and proteinuria. These findings suggest that nephrotic syndrome caused by paraneoplastic syndrome can be resolved only after the complete control of the underlying malignancy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)539-543
Number of pages5
JournalYonsei medical journal
Volume44
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003 Jun 30

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A case of paraneoplastic nephrotic syndrome in a patient with ovarian carcinoma'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this