Circulating immune complexes in syphilitic nephropathy. A case report.

Abstract
A case of transient nephrotic syndrome caused by secondary syphilis was described. A renal biopsy was performed revealing subepithelial hump-like electron-dense deposits and fusion of epithelial foot-processes. Complement C1q-binding-activity and anti-complementarity were demonstrated in the blood, indicating the presence of circulating immune complexes. This strongly suggests that circulating immune complexes are significant in the immunopathogenesis of syphilitic nephropathy.