The dilemma: scleroderma renal crisis vs lupus nephritis in a patient with mixed connective tissue disorder

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is a rare connective tissue disorder characterized by features of systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. MCTD is associated with an elevated antibody titer to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein.

Case description:

A 49-year-old man presented to the emergency department for evaluation of worsening shortness of breath with associated for bilateral hand pain and swelling associated with morning stiffness which was initially thought to be related to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). He was also found to have a positive autoantibody, and he was later diagnosed with MCTD complicated by scleroderma renal crisis.

Conclusion

MCTD is a rare connective tissue disorder with overlapping features of SLE, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. The diagnosis of MCTD requires a high index of suspicion and careful workup. Immunosuppressive therapy is the mainstay of treatment that improves patient outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• dermatomyositis
• systemic sclerosis
• Kasukawa diagnostic criteria
• mixed connective tissue disorders

1. Introduction

Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) is an autoimmune syndrome presenting with features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis associated with elevated antibody titers to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein. The incidence of MCTD is 1.9 per 100,000, and is higher in females. One of the life-threatening complications of MCTD is

Scleroderma renal crisis (SRC). SRC is characterized by acute onset of renal failure, usually in the setting of moderate to severe hypertension. SRC in patients with MCTD is rare, with only a few cases documented worldwide. We herein discuss a case of a 49-year-old man with MCTD complicated by SRC.

2. Case description

A 49-year-old man presented to the emergency department for evaluation of worsening shortness of breath. Seven weeks before the presentation he was seen by a rheumatologist for bilateral hand pain and swelling associated with morning stiffness thought to be related to systemic lupus erythematous (SLE).

Medical history is significant for SLE, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and erectile dysfunction diagnosed 1 year ago. Medications include prednisone, pantoprazole, and methotrexate.

External records revealed positive ANA-titer >1:1280, positive Anti-Smith, Scl-70, and RNP antibodies. However, his DS DNA, SSA/SSB, anticentromere, anti-histone, anti-CCP, and RF were all negative. CT of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis were unremarkable 1 year ago. An echocardiogram at that time showed EF of 55–60% with normal diastolic function. Of note 3 weeks before presentation, his creatinine and GFR were within normal limits.

In the emergency department, blood pressure was 166/119 mmHg, heart rate 130. He was breathing at 23 breaths per minute and saturating at 86% on room air. Physical examination was remarkable for moderate respiratory distress, with bibasilar crackles in the lungs and 1+ bilateral pedal edema. Motor strength 4/5 in all his extremities. Hands examination revealed clubbing, see Figure 1.

Figure 1. Bilateral soft tissue swelling of the hands with loss of skin crease and clubbing of the fingers

Laboratory analysis revealed hemoglobin 9.0, sodium 132, creatinine 3.96, GFR 20, BNP 4172. ABG: pH: 7.52, pCO₂: 29.4, pO₂: 58 HCO₃: 23.8. Urinalysis showed 6 RBC. Chest X-ray demonstrated bilateral opacities, see Figure 2.

Figure 2. Chest X-ray above shows central vascular prominence with abnormal alveolar opacities in the mid and lower lungs bilaterally in addition to small effusions

He was admitted to the ICU for closer monitoring of his acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Further workup in the hospital revealed elevated dsDNA, with normal C3/C4 complements and cryoglobulin. HIV and ANCA tests were negative.

Echocardiogram showed LVEF is 25% with grade III diastolic dysfunction, moderate mitral regurgitation, and severe pulmonary hypertension with RA pressure 8 mmHg and RVSP (TR) 71.0 mmHg.

CT scan of the chest revealed bilateral ground-glass opacities as shown below in Figure 3.

Figure 3. High-resolution CT chest above showing diffuse ground-glass opacity in the lungs and bilateral pleural effusion

Given his clinical picture with worsening renal failure, a diagnosis of lupus nephritis vs scleroderma renal crisis was considered. Nephrology and rheumatology teams were consulted, and a kidney biopsy was obtained. Also, RNA polymerase 3 antibodies were ordered at this time.

3. Discussion

Mixed connective tissue disorder (MCTD) also known as Sharp’s syndrome was initially defined in 1972 [1]. MCTD presents with overlapping features of systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, systemic sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis associated with elevated antibody titers to U1 small nuclear ribonucleoprotein [2–4]. The incidence of MCTD is 1.9 per 100,000 with higher incidence in females [5].

Currently, there are four diagnostic criteria used to diagnosed MCTD. Kasukawa diagnostic criteria were utilized for this patient, and it is currently one of the most widely used criteria [6].

Table 1 Outlining the Kasukawa diagnostic criteria is shown above [6]. Based on the Kasukawa diagnostic criteria, a patient would be diagnosed with MCTD if they have ≥ 1 common symptom, positive anti-RNP antibodies, and ≥ 1 finding from each of ≥ 2 disease categories (systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, or polymyositis)[6].

Table 1. Outlines the Kasukawa diagnostic criteria

Common symptoms	1. Raynaud phenomenon 2. Swollen fingers or hands
Antibodies to U1 RNP	1. Positive
Mixed findings	1. Systemic lupus erythematosus like findings Polyarthritis Lymphadenopathy Facial erythema Pericarditis or pleuritis Leukopenia or thrombocytopenia 2. Systemic sclerosis-like findings: Sclerodactyly Pulmonary fibrosis, restrictive pattern on pulmonary function tests, or reduced DLCO Hypomotility or esophageal dilation 3. Polymyositis-like symptoms: Muscle weakness Raised serum creatine kinase levels Myogenic pattern on electromyography

Our patient fulfilled both common symptoms including Raynaud phenomenon and swollen hands; he also had positive antibodies to U1 RNP; and mixed findings of polyarthritis, sclerodactyly, and muscle weakness. On day 5 of admission, he was started on hemodialysis. A broad differential diagnosis for acute kidney injury was entertained. These included membranous/mesangial glomerulonephritis, scleroderma renal crisis, immune complex-medicated nephritis, and interstitial nephropathy. However, in the end his renal biopsy with findings of thrombotic microangiopathy was suggestive of scleroderma renal crisis, see Figures 4 [7]. Additionally, the patient had positive titers for RNA polymerase III was 28 (high).

Figure 4. Reveals an occluded arteriole

Renal complications occur in approximately 25% of patients with MCTD[8]. The pathogenesis of scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) is not well understood[9]. It is thought to be related damage to the endothelial of the renal vasculature, along with activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system[9]. While lupus nephritis is the result of a type-III hypersensitivity reaction[10]. Both lupus nephritis and SRC can present with proteinuria and hematuria [9,10]. However, lupus nephritis can also present with polyuria, nocturia, and foamy urine[10]. On the other hand, SRC presents with moderate to severe hypertension associated with oligo-anuric acute renal failure[9].

Our patient was initially being treated with high doses of prednisone which was later tapered. He was started on captopril. Unfortunately, he remained on dialysis with no signs of renal recovery 1 year later. SRC in patients with mixed connective tissue disorder is rare with a few cases documented worldwide with some patients becoming dialysis-dependent[11,12]. Precipitating factors for SRC include cardiac events, new-onset anemia, and high-medium dose of steroids [12,13]. This patient presented to the ED with acute decompensated heart failure and chronic use of prednisone of 20 mg daily, both of which could have been precipitating factors. The management of lupus nephritis differs from the management of SRC. SRC is managed with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) since activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system is a critical component of the pathogenesis of the disease[9]. Steroids are avoided in SRC due to increase the likelihood of worse outcomes [14]. In contrast, the management of lupus nephritis includes immunosuppressive therapy and steroids depending on the stage of the disease[10].

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).