IgA Nephropathy: Sometimes a difficult diagnosis - A case of secondary hypertension

IgA nephropathy or Berger disease is the most frequent etiology of idiopathic glomerulonephritis in the world, although of unclear etiology and target of active investigation. It can present itself in many different ways and it is easily mistaken by other conditions as happened in the clinical case we are referring to. Usually there is a macroscopic recurring hematuria following an upper airways infection. Most patients are diagnosed when investigating an assymptomatic microscopic mild hematuria/ proteinuria. It is a clinical condition representing a secondary arterial hypertension mainly etiology in younger age groups. Around 50% evolve towards progressive terminal kidney failure relying on hemodialysis.