Focal glomerulosclerosis and erythrocytosis

A 22-year-old black male presented with erythrocytosis and proteinuria. The erythrocytosis was characterized by increased red cell mass, normal arterial oxygen saturation, and normal hemoglobin electrophoresis and oxygen affinity. There was no splenomegaly, and the white blood cell count, platelet count, serum uric acid concentration, serum B₁₂ levels and leukocyte alkaline phosphatase activity were normal. Tumors of the liver, lung, kidney and cerebellum, which have been associated with erythrocytosis, were not found. The only associated disease was biopsy proven focal glomerulosclerosis. Renal vein thrombosis was excluded by renal venography and arteriography. This case illustrates the rarely reported association of the nephrotic syndrome and erythrocytosis. Other nephrogenic causes of erythrocytosis are mentioned, including renal cysts, tumors, renal artery stenosis and transplantation. The role of the kidney in erythropoietin production and possible mechanisms of nephrogenic erythrocytosis are discussed.