Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis associated with a pheochromocytoma.

A 22-year-old male patient with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis(FSGS) associated with a pheochromocytoma is reported. Immunofluorescence study of the kidney biopsy specimen demonstrated segmental depositions of IgM, C3 and fibrinogen. Alteration of glomerular basement membrane(GBM) with fibrin strands and platelet aggregates was observed by electron microscopic examination. Administration of prednisolone had no effect on massive proteinuria, but surgical removal of the tumor promptly reduced proteinuria. It was suggested that FSGS can develop in patients with pheochromocytomas, and local hypercoagulation might be responsible for the development of this lesion.