Recurrence of Tubulointerstitial Nephritis Without Uveitis, in a Patient with Previous Tubulointerstitial Nephritis and Uveitis Syndrome After Transplant.

We report a case of recurrent tubulointerstitial nephritis without uveitis in a patient with previous tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome after transplant. A 26-year-old male patient who had been diagnosed with tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome at 8 years of age developed end-stage renal failure and subsequently underwent living-donor related renal transplant at 17 years old. The 1st recurrence of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis occurred 36 months after transplant, which was treated with increased immunosuppressive drugs. Graft function worsened again to estimated glomerular filtration rate of 25 mL/min/1.73 m² at 76 months after transplant. Transplant ultrasonography was unremarkable. Virology tests (including cytomegalovirus, BK virus, and Epstein-Barr virus tests) were all negative, with negative donor-specific antibodies. Urine protein creatinine ratio was unremarkable. A biopsy showed chronic allograft rejection and graft sclerosis, and immunosuppressive medications were subsequently decreased. The patient's renal function continued to decline over the next 3 months, with estimated glomerular filtration rate showing 18 mL/min/1.73 m², prompting a further renal biopsy that showed granulomatous interstitial nephritis and moderate interstitial fibrosis. This was consistent with a further relapse of tubulointerstitial nephritis but without uveitis. His renal function improved over the next few months after tacrolimus was reintroduced.