Podocitopatia lúpica: uma visão geral sobre esta nova variante histológica

Abstract

Lupus podocytopathy is a distinct histopathological entity, described in some case series, and diagnosed in only 1% of all renal biopsies performed in the context of systemic lupus erythematosus with renal involvement. It is characterized by diffuse foot process effacement and by the absence of immune complex deposition in the subendothelial and subepithelial regions. This work aims to review the clinical manifestations, histological variants, pathological mechanisms, treatment and prognosis, of this rare histological manifestation in the context of lupus nephritis. In this study, we conclude that it is imperative to create standardised diagnostic criteria and to include lupus podocytopathy, as an independent class, in the classification of lupus nephritis by ISN / RPS. Future studies will be crucial for the identification of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this entity, and clarification of the best therapeutic strategy.