Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis in a patient with primary Sjögren's syndrome. Report of a case with review of the literature.

Glomerulonephritis complicating primary Sjögren's syndrome is extremely rare, with only 3 cases of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis reported in the literature. We report on a 55-year-old woman with a long-standing history of dryness of the mouth and eyes who was found to have nephrotic syndrome. Extensive investigations indicated primary Sjögren's syndrome. Kidney biopsy revealed a membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis. Treatment with prednisone and cyclophosphamide resulted in complete remission of nephrotic syndrome. The pathogenesis of glomerulonephritis appears to be due to deposition of circulating immune complexes.