Minimal change disease associated with Graves’ disease and methimazole use

Abstract

Introduction. Graves' disease causes kidney injury through multiple mechanisms, including the treatment for this condition. Nephrotic syndrome due to minimal change disease (MCD) is an unusual form of such kidney injury; the association between methimazole use and MCD is also rare. Case presentation. 36-year-old woman with a history of Graves' disease in use of methimazole for several months, who presented with edematous syndrome due to nephrotic syndrome associated with a KDIGO stage 3 acute kidney injury. Thionamide-induced hypothyroidism and the need of thyroid hormone replacement therapy  was evidenced at the time of consultation. Based on a renal biopsy, the patient was diagnosed with MCD. Her condition worsened as she experienced oliguria and hypervolemia, and renal replacement therapy with hemodialysis was temporarily required. Methimazole administration was suspended, and treatment consisting of prednisolone administration and levothyroxine supplementation was started, achieving hemodialysis suspension, gradual improvement of proteinuria until remission and full and maintained recovery of renal clearance. Radioiodine therapy was implemented as definitive treatment for Graves' disease, obtaining a successful outcome. Conclusions. Graves' disease and methimazole use are possible causes of minimal change disease. Systemic corticosteroid therapy is a possible management. However, further basic, clinical and epidemiological research on this subject is required.