Adolescent-onset TAFRO Syndrome with Malignant Nephrosclerosis-like Lesions

A 16-year-old Japanese girl developed a fever, thrombocytopenia, and renal dysfunction. Treatment was started with steroids, but cervical lymphadenopathy and ascites developed. A lymph node biopsy indicated TAFRO syndrome. The patient's renal function deteriorated, and dialysis was started. Refractory hypertension and subsequent encephalopathy developed. Treatment was started with an anti-IL-6 receptor antibody and an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. A kidney biopsy showed malignant nephrosclerosis-like microangiopathy and glomerular collapse due to narrowing of the small arteries. The majority of TAFRO syndrome cases are adult-onset, with glomerular microangiopathy. To our knowledge, this is the first report of adolescent-onset TAFRO syndrome presenting with malignant nephrosclerosis-like lesions associated with hypertension.