Lynn D Cornell

Publications (35)298.16 Total impact

• Article: C3 Glomerulonephritis Associated With Monoclonal Gammopathy: A Case Series.

  Ladan Zand, Andrea Kattah, Fernando C Fervenza, Richard J H Smith, Samih H Nasr, Yuzhou Zhang, Julie A Vrana, Nelson Leung, Lynn D Cornell, Sanjeev Sethi
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: C3 glomerulonephritis (GN) is a proliferative GN resulting from glomerular deposition of complement factors due to dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement. Dysregulation of the alternative pathway of complement may occur as a result of mutations or functional inhibition of complement-regulating proteins. Functional inhibition of the complement-regulating proteins may result from a monoclonal gammopathy. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 32 Mayo Clinic patients with C3 GN, 10 (31%) of whom had evidence of a monoclonal immunoglobulin in serum. OUTCOMES: Clinical features, hematologic and bone marrow biopsy findings, kidney biopsy findings, kidney measures, complement pathway abnormalities, treatment, and follow-up of patients with C3 GN that was associated with a monoclonal gammopathy. RESULTS: Mean age of patients with C3 GN associated with monoclonal gammopathy was 54.5 years. Bone marrow biopsy done in 9 patients revealed monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in 5 patients, small lymphocytic lymphoma/chronic lymphocytic leukemia in one patient, and no abnormal clones in the other 3 patients. Kidney biopsy showed membranoproliferative GN with bright capillary wall C3 staining in all 10 patients. Evaluation of the alternative pathway of complement showed abnormalities in 7 of 9 patients tested. No mutation in complement-regulating proteins was detected in any patient. As an index case, one patient with C3 GN and chronic lymphocytic leukemia was treated with rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone, and one patient with C3 GN and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance was treated with dexamethasone and bortezomib. Both patients showed significant decreases in hematuria and proteinuria and stabilization of kidney function. LIMITATIONS: Studies to show evidence of direct activation of the alternative pathway by monoclonal immunoglobulin were not done. CONCLUSIONS: The study highlights the association of C3 GN and monoclonal gammopathy, in particular in the older population, and the importance of targeting the underlying hematologic malignancy as an approach to treating C3 GN.
  American Journal of Kidney Diseases 04/2013; · 5.43 Impact Factor
• Article: The diagnosis and characteristics of renal heavy-chain and heavy/light-chain amyloidosis and their comparison with renal light-chain amyloidosis.

  Samih H Nasr, Samar M Said, Anthony M Valeri, Sanjeev Sethi, Mary E Fidler, Lynn D Cornell, Morie A Gertz, Angela Dispenzieri, Francis K Buadi, Julie A Vrana, Jason D Theis, Ahmet Dogan, Nelson Leung
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Little is known about the rare entities of heavy- and light-chain amyloidosis (AHL) and heavy-chain amyloidosis (AH). Here, we report the renal and hematological characteristics, pathology, and outcome of 16 patients with renal AH/AHL (5 with AH and 11 with AHL) and compare them with 202 patients with renal light-chain amyloidosis (AL) diagnosed during the same time period. All cases were diagnosed by kidney biopsy that showed Congo red-positive deposits. Amyloid typing was done by laser microdissection and mass spectrometry (LMD/MS) on 12 patients or by immunofluorescence on four patients. All patients with renal AH/AHL were Caucasians, with a male/female ratio of 2.2 and a median age at biopsy of 63 years. Compared with patients with renal AL, those with renal AH/AHL had less frequent concurrent cardiac involvement, higher likelihood of having circulating complete monoclonal immunoglobulin, lower sensitivity of fat pad biopsy and bone marrow biopsy for detecting amyloid, higher incidence of hematuria, and better patient survival. The hematological response to chemotherapy was comparable with renal AL. In 42% of patients, AH/AHL could not have been diagnosed without LMD/MS. Thus, renal AH/AHL is an uncommon and underrecognized form of amyloidosis, and its diagnosis is greatly enhanced by the use of LMD/MS for amyloid typing. The accurate histological diagnosis of renal AH/AHL and distinction from AL may have important clinical and prognostic implications.Kidney International advance online publication, 9 January 2013; doi:10.1038/ki.2012.414.
  Kidney International 01/2013; · 6.61 Impact Factor
• Article: Membranous glomerulonephritis is a manifestation of IgG4-related disease.

  Mariam P Alexander, Christopher P Larsen, Ian W Gibson, Samih H Nasr, Sanjeev Sethi, Mary E Fidler, Yassaman Raissian, Naoki Takahashi, Suresh Chari, Thomas C Smyrk, Lynn D Cornell
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is a systemic immune-mediated disease that typically manifests as fibro-inflammatory masses that can affect nearly any organ system. Renal involvement by IgG4-RD usually takes the form of IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis, but cases of membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) have also been described. Here we present a series of 9 patients (mean age at diagnosis 58 years) with MGN associated with IgG4-RD. All patients showed MGN on biopsy, presented with proteinuria (mean 8.3 g/day), and most had elevated serum creatinine (mean 2.2 mg/dl). Seven patients had known extrarenal involvement by IgG4-RD, with 5 patients having concurrent IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis. Immunohistochemical analysis for the phospholipase A2 receptor, a marker of primary MGN, was negative in all 8 biopsies so examined. Six of 7 patients with available follow-up (mean 39 months) were treated with immunosuppressive agents; one untreated patient developed end-stage renal disease and underwent transplantation, without recurrence at 12 years after transplant. All 6 treated patients showed decreased proteinuria (mean 1.2 g/day), and most showed decreased serum creatinine (mean 1.4 mg/dl). Thus, MGN should be included in the spectrum of IgG4-RD and should be suspected in proteinuric IgG4-RD patients. Conversely, patients with MGN and an appropriate clinical history should be evaluated for IgG4-RD.Kidney International advance online publication, 19 December 2012; doi:10.1038/ki.2012.382.
  Kidney International 12/2012; · 6.61 Impact Factor
• Article: The role of complement in antibody-mediated rejection in kidney transplantation.

  Mark D Stegall, Marcio F Chedid, Lynn D Cornell
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Over the past decade, several studies have suggested that the complement system has an active role in both acute and chronic allograft rejection. These studies have been facilitated by improved techniques to detect antibody-mediated organ rejection, including immunohistological staining for C4d deposition in the allograft and solid-phase assays that identify donor-specific alloantibodies (DSAs) in the serum of transplant recipients. Studies with eculizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody directed against complement component C5, have shown that activation of the terminal complement pathway is necessary for the development of acute antibody-mediated rejection in recipients of living-donor kidney allografts who have high levels of DSAs. The extent to which complement activation drives chronic antibody-mediated injury leading to organ rejection is less clear. In chronic antibody-mediated injury, early complement activation might facilitate chemotaxis of inflammatory cells into the allograft in a process that later becomes somewhat independent of DSA levels and complement factors. In this Review, we discuss the different roles that the complement system might have in antibody-mediated allograft rejection, with specific emphasis on renal transplantation.
  Nature Reviews Nephrology 10/2012; 8(11):670-8. · 7.09 Impact Factor
• Article: Low- and high-molecular-weight urinary proteins as predictors of response to rituximab in patients with membranous nephropathy: a prospective study.

  Maria V Irazabal, Alfonso Eirin, John Lieske, Laurence H Beck, Sanjeev Sethi, Timothy M Borland, John J Dillon, Patrick H Nachman, Samih H Nasr, Lynn D Cornell, Nelson Leung, Daniel C Cattran, Fernando C Fervenza
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Selective urinary biomarkers have been considered superior to total proteinuria in predicting response to treatment and outcome in patients with membranous nephropathy (MN). METHODS: We prospectively tested whether urinary (U) excretion of retinol-binding protein (RBP), α1-microglobulin (α1M), albumin, immunoglobulinIgG and IgM and/or anti-phospholipase 2 receptor (PLA(2)R) levels could predict response to rituximab (RTX) therapy better than standard measures in MN. We also correlated changes in antibodies to PLA(2)R with these urinary biomarkers. RESULTS: Twenty patients with MN and proteinuria (P) >5 g/24 h received RTX (375 mg/m(2) × 4) and at 12 months, 1 patient was in complete remission (CR), 9 were in partial remission (PR), 5 had a limited response (LR) and 4 were non-responders (NR). At 24 months, CR occurred in 4, PR in 12, LR in 1, NR in 2 and 1 patient relapsed. By simple linear regression analysis, UIgG at baseline (mg/24 h) was a significant predictor of change in proteinuria at 12 months (Δ urinary protein) (P = 0.04). In addition, fractional excretion (FE) of IgG, urinary alpha 1 microglobulin (Uα1M) (mg/24 h) and URBP (μg/24 h) were also predictors of response (P = 0.05, 0.04, and 0.03, respectively). On the other hand, UIgM, FEIgM, albumin and FE albumin did not predict response (P = 0.10, 0.27, 0.22 and 0.20, respectively). However, when results were analyzed in relation to proteinuria at 24 months, none of the U markers that predicted response at 12 m could predict response at 24 m (P = 0.55, 0.42, 0.29 and 0.20). Decline in anti-PLA(2)R levels was associated with and often preceded urinary biomarker response but positivity at baseline was not a predictor of proteinuria response. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that in patients with MN, quantification of low-, medium- and high-molecular-weight urinary proteins may be associated with rate of response to RTX, but do not correlate with longer term outcomes.
  Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 09/2012; · 3.40 Impact Factor
• Article: Immunotactoid glomerulopathy: clinicopathologic and proteomic study.

  Samih H Nasr, Mary E Fidler, Lynn D Cornell, Nelson Leung, Fernando G Cosio, Salwa S Sheikh, Abdulrazack A Amir, Julie A Vrana, Jason D Theis, Ahmet Dogan, Sanjeev Sethi
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Background Immunotactoid glomerulopathy (ITG) is a rare glomerular disease. Here, we report the largest clinicopathologic series of ITG and define its proteomic profile.Methods The characteristics of 16 ITG patients who were identified from our pathology archives are provided between 1993 and 2011. We also performed laser microdissection and mass spectrometry (LMD/MS) in three cases.ResultsPresentation included proteinuria (100%), nephrotic syndrome (69%), renal insufficiency (50%) and microhematuria (80%). Hypocomplementemia was present in 46% and a serum M-spike in 63%. Hematologic malignancy was present in 38%, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 19%, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma in 13% and myeloma in 13%. The pattern of glomerular injury was membranoproliferative (56%), membranous (31%) or proliferative (13%) glomerulonephritis. The microtubular deposits were immunoglobulin light chain restricted in 69% and had a mean diameter of 31 nm (range 17-52). During an average of 48 months of follow-up for 12 patients, 50% had remission, 33% had persistent renal dysfunction and 17% progressed to end-stage renal disease. Proteomic analysis by LMD/MS revealed the presence of immunoglobulins, monotypic light chains, complement factors of the classical and terminal pathway and small amount of serum amyloid P-component.Conclusions Hematologic malignancy, particularly lymphoma, is not uncommon in ITG. ITG appears to have a better prognosis than other paraprotein-related renal lesions, with a half of patients expected to recover kidney function with immunosuppressive therapy or chemotherapy. The proteomic profile of ITG is consistent with deposition of monotypic immunoglobulins and activation of the classical and terminal pathway of complement.
  Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 08/2012; · 3.40 Impact Factor
• Source

  Available from: Julie A Vrana

  Article: Laser microdissection and mass spectrometry-based proteomics aids the diagnosis and typing of renal amyloidosis.

  Sanjeev Sethi, Julie A Vrana, Jason D Theis, Nelson Leung, Anjali Sethi, Samih H Nasr, Fernando C Fervenza, Lynn D Cornell, Mary E Fidler, Ahmet Dogan
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Accurate diagnosis and typing of renal amyloidosis is critical for prognosis, genetic counseling, and treatment. Laser microdissection and mass spectrometry are emerging techniques for the analysis and diagnosis of many renal diseases. Here we present the results of laser microdissection and mass spectrometry performed on 127 cases of renal amyloidosis during 2008-2010. We found the following proteins in the amyloid deposits: immunoglobulin light and heavy chains, secondary reactive serum amyloid A protein, leukocyte cell-derived chemotaxin-2, fibrinogen-α chain, transthyretin, apolipoprotein A-I and A-IV, gelsolin, and β-2 microglobulin. Thus, laser microdissection of affected areas within the kidney followed by mass spectrometry provides a direct test of the composition of the deposit and forms a useful ancillary technique for the accurate diagnosis and typing of renal amyloidosis in a single procedure.
  Kidney International 04/2012; 82(2):226-34. · 6.61 Impact Factor
• Article: Clinicopathologic correlations in multiple myeloma: a case series of 190 patients with kidney biopsies.

  Samih H Nasr, Anthony M Valeri, Sanjeev Sethi, Mary E Fidler, Lynn D Cornell, Morie A Gertz, Martha Lacy, Angela Dispenzieri, S Vincent Rajkumar, Robert A Kyle, Nelson Leung
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Renal involvement is common in multiple myeloma. In this study, we examined kidney biopsy findings in patients with multiple myeloma and correlated them with their clinical renal and hematologic characteristics. Case series. 190 Mayo Clinic patients with multiple myeloma who underwent kidney biopsy between 1997-2011 were identified from our kidney biopsy database. Patients had an established diagnosis of multiple myeloma or multiple myeloma was diagnosed shortly after the results of kidney biopsy, which prompted bone marrow biopsy. Myeloma cast nephropathy (MCN), AL amyloidosis, and monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD). Renal morphologic changes, clinical renal and hematologic characteristics at kidney biopsy, renal and patient outcomes. Paraprotein-associated lesions were seen in 73% of patients; non-paraprotein-associated lesions, in 25%; and no pathology, in 2%. The most common paraprotein-associated lesions were MCN (33%), MIDD (22%), and amyloidosis (21%). The most common non-paraprotein-associated lesions were acute tubular necrosis (9%), hypertensive arteriosclerosis (6%), and diabetic nephropathy (5%). Patients with MIDD were younger than those with MCN or amyloidosis. Urine paraprotein size and bone marrow plasma cell percentage were higher in MCN than amyloidosis or MIDD. Nephrotic syndrome was more common in amyloidosis than MIDD. Percentage of albuminuria was highest in amyloidosis and lowest in MCN. Median kidney survival from kidney biopsy was 20, 30, and 51 months for MCN, amyloidosis, and MIDD, respectively (P = 0.2). Median patient survival from multiple myeloma diagnosis was 44, 58, and 62 months for MCN, amyloidosis, and MIDD, respectively (P = 0.4). Retrospective nature. The spectrum of renal lesions in multiple myeloma is more heterogeneous than previously reported. Clinical features favoring amyloidosis over MIDD include older age, absence of kidney failure, presence of nephrotic syndrome, absence of hematuria, and >50% albuminuria.
  American Journal of Kidney Diseases 03/2012; 59(6):786-94. · 5.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Renal monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease: a report of 64 patients from a single institution.

  Samih H Nasr, Anthony M Valeri, Lynn D Cornell, Mary E Fidler, Sanjeev Sethi, Vivette D D'Agati, Nelson Leung
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To better define the clinical-pathologic spectrum and prognosis of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD), this study reports the largest series. Characteristics of 64 MIDD patients who were seen at Mayo Clinic are provided. Of 64 patients with MIDD, 51 had light chain deposition disease, 7 had heavy chain deposition disease, and 6 had light and heavy chain deposition disease. The mean age at diagnosis was 56 years, and 23 patients (36%) were ≤50 years of age. Clinical evidence of dysproteinemia was present in 62 patients (97%), including multiple myeloma in 38 (59%). M-spike was detected on serum protein electrophoresis in 47 (73%). Serum free light chain ratio was abnormal in all 51 patients tested. Presentation included renal insufficiency, proteinuria, hematuria, and hypertension. Nodular mesangial sclerosis was seen in 39 patients (61%). During a median of 25 months of follow-up (range, 1-140) in 56 patients, 32 (57%) had stable/improved renal function, 2 (4%) had worsening renal function, and 22 (39%) progressed to ESRD. The mean renal and patient survivals were 64 and 90 months, respectively. The disease recurred in three of four patients who received a kidney transplant. Patients with MIDD generally present at a younger age than those with light chain amyloidosis or light chain cast nephropathy. Serum free light chain ratio is abnormal in all MIDD patients, whereas only three-quarters have abnormal serum protein electrophoresis. The prognosis for MIDD is improving compared with historical controls, likely reflecting earlier detection and improved therapies.
  Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 12/2011; 7(2):231-9. · 5.23 Impact Factor
• Article: Clinical features of patients with immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) with vascular-limited deposition in the kidney.

  Alfonso Eirin, Maria V Irazabal, Morie A Gertz, Angela Dispenzieri, Martha Q Lacy, Shaji Kumar, Sanjeev Sethi, Samih H Nasr, Lynn D Cornell, Mary E Fidler, Fernando C Fervenza, Nelson Leung
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: In the kidney, immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis (AL) can be deposited in vascular-limited AL (V-AL) or diffuse (D-AL) pattern. These patterns are associated with different clinical presentations. A nested case study was performed to describe these differences. V-AL was defined by the vascular-limited deposits. Cases were matched for age, sex and date of renal biopsy. There were 12 cases of V-AL (mean age 61 ± 11 years) and 24 cases of D-AL. Median follow-up was 26 months for V-AL and 38 months for D-AL, P = 0.14. Lambda was more common in D-AL (83.3%) than V-AL (50%, P = 0.04). Cardiac function was similar between the two groups. V-AL patients presented with lower renal function (serum creatinine = 2.1 versus 1.3 mg/dL, P = 0.02; estimated glomerular filtration rate 31 versus 59 mL/min/1.73m(2), P = 0.01 and creatinine clearance 38.5 versus 64 mL/min/1.73m(2), P = 0.02, respectively). Proteinuria was low grade in V-AL [0.4 (0.09-0.98) g/day] compared to nephrotic range in D-AL patients [8.0 (0.2-22) g/day, P < 0.001]. Stem cell transplantation was performed on 62.5% of the D-AL but on only 25% of the V-AL, P = 0.08. Median survival was longer in patients with D-AL (77.2 months) versus V-AL (40.6 months, log-rank P = 0.02). Our study found that V-AL patients presented with more severe renal insufficiency and less proteinuria than D-AL. There was a preference for λ light chain in the D-AL that was not noted in the V-AL. Patients with D-AL in this study had a longer median survival but most of them were stem cell transplantation candidates.
  Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation 11/2011; 27(3):1097-101. · 3.40 Impact Factor
• Article: Acquired glomerular lesions in patients with Down syndrome.

  Samar M Said, Lynn D Cornell, Sanjeev Sethi, Mary E Fidler, Omar Al Masri, Jeffrey Marple, Samih H Nasr
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: The long-term survival of persons with Down syndrome has dramatically increased over the past 50 years. There are no studies addressing the spectrum of glomerular lesions in these patients. We reviewed the clinical-pathologic characteristics of 17 patients with Down syndrome who underwent renal biopsy. The cohort consisted of 12 whites and 5 African Americans with mean age of 29 years (range, 6-45 years). History of hypothyroidism was present in 8 patients. Renal presentations included renal insufficiency (15 patients, mean serum creatinine 3.4 mg/dL), proteinuria (all patients, including 3 with nephrotic syndrome, mean 24-hour urine protein 4.2 g), and hematuria (14 patients, including 4 with gross hematuria). The glomerular diseases found on biopsy were IgA nephropathy (n = 5 patients), focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (n = 4), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (n = 2), acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis (n = 2), pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis (n = 2), membranous glomerulonephritis (n = 1), and lupus nephritis (n = 1). Follow-up (mean, 47 months; range, 2-141 months) was available on 16 patients (94%). Two patients (1 with membranous glomerulonephritis and 1 with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis) had complete remission; 8 patients (4 with IgA nephropathy, 2 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, 1 with lupus nephritis, and 1 with acute postinfectious glomerulonephritis) had chronic kidney disease; and 6 patients (2 with pauci-immune crescentic glomerulonephritis, 2 with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, 1 with IgA nephropathy, and 1 with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis) progressed to end-stage renal disease, 4 of whom died. In summary, a wide spectrum of glomerular diseases can be seen in patients with Down syndrome, with IgA nephropathy and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis being the most common. Renal biopsy is necessary to determine the type of glomerular lesion and appropriate treatment.
  Human pathology 07/2011; 43(1):81-8. · 3.03 Impact Factor
• Article: Diagnosis of IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis.

  Yassaman Raissian, Samih H Nasr, Christopher P Larsen, Robert B Colvin, Thomas C Smyrk, Naoki Takahashi, Ami Bhalodia, Aliyah R Sohani, Lizhi Zhang, Suresh Chari, Sanjeev Sethi, Mary E Fidler, Lynn D Cornell
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: IgG4-related systemic disease is an autoimmune disease that was first recognized in the pancreas but also affects other organs. This disease may manifest as tubulointerstitial nephritis (IgG4-TIN), but its clinicopathologic features in the kidney are not well described. Of the 35 patients with IgG4-TIN whose renal tissue specimens we examined, 27 (77%) had acute or progressive chronic renal failure, 29 (83%) had involvement of other organ systems, and 18 of 23 (78%) had radiographic abnormalities. Elevated total IgG or IgG4 serum levels were present in 79%. All pathologic specimens featured plasma cell-rich TIN, with most showing diffuse, expansile interstitial fibrosis. Immune complexes along the tubular basement membranes were present in 25 of 30 (83%). All specimens had a moderate to marked increase in IgG4+ plasma cells by immunohistochemistry. We used a control group of 175 pathologic specimens with plasma cell-rich interstitial infiltrates that can mimic IgG4-TIN to examine the diagnostic utility of IgG4 immunostaining. Excluding pauci-immune necrotizing and crescentic glomerulonephritis, IgG4 immunohistochemistry had a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 90-100%) and a specificity of 92% (95% CI 86-95%) for IgG4-TIN. Of the 19 patients with renal failure for whom treatment and follow-up data were available, 17 (89%) responded to prednisone. In summary, because no single test definitively diagnoses IgG4-related systemic disease, we rely on a combination of histologic, immunophenotypic, clinical, radiographic, and laboratory features. When the disease manifests in the kidney, our data support diagnostic criteria that can distinguish IgG4-TIN from other types of TIN.
  Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 06/2011; 22(7):1343-52. · 9.66 Impact Factor
• Article: Myeloproliferative neoplasms cause glomerulopathy.

  Samar M Said, Nelson Leung, Sanjeev Sethi, Lynn D Cornell, Mary E Fidler, Joseph P Grande, Sandra Herrmann, Ayalew Tefferi, Vivette D D'Agati, Samih H Nasr
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Myeloproliferative neoplasms are clonal hematopoietic stem cell disorders that can produce an undefined glomerulopathy. To better characterize the glomerular disease associated with myeloproliferative neoplasms, we evaluated features of 11 patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm-related glomerulopathy that included 8 patients with primary myelofibrosis, and 1 each with chronic myelogenous leukemia, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia. Indications for biopsy were nephrotic-range proteinuria (nephrotic syndrome in four) and chronic renal insufficiency. The mean time from diagnosis of the neoplasms to biopsy was 7.2 years. Histologically, mesangial sclerosis and hypercellularity were seen in all 11 cases, segmental sclerosis in 8, features of chronic thrombotic microangiopathy in 9, and intracapillary hematopoietic cells in 4. On follow-up, seven patients had persistent renal dysfunction and four progressed to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Thus, glomerulopathy appears to be a late complication of myeloproliferative neoplasms, particularly primary myelofibrosis, with guarded prognosis. Greater awareness of this entity and larger studies are needed to define possible therapies.
  Kidney International 06/2011; 80(7):753-9. · 6.61 Impact Factor
• Article: Association of kidney function and metabolic risk factors with density of glomeruli on renal biopsy samples from living donors.

  Andrew D Rule, Merfake H Semret, Hatem Amer, Lynn D Cornell, Sandra J Taler, John C Lieske, L Joseph Melton, Mark D Stegall, Stephen C Textor, Walter K Kremers, Lilach O Lerman
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: To test the hypothesis that kidney function and metabolic risk factors are associated with glomerular density on renal biopsy samples from healthy adults. This study compared glomerular density with predonation kidney function, blood pressure, and metabolic risk factors in living kidney donors at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, from May 10, 1999, to February 4, 2009. During implantation of the kidney allograft, an 18-gauge core needle biopsy sample of the renal cortex was obtained, sectioned, and examined by pathologists. Glomerular density was determined by the number of glomeruli (normal and sclerotic) divided by area of cortex. The study sample of 1046 kidney donors had a mean of 21 glomeruli (0.8 sclerotic glomeruli) and a glomerular density of 2.3 glomeruli per square millimeter. In a subset of 54 donors, glomerular density inversely correlated with the mean glomerular area (r(s) = -0.28). Independent predictors of decreased glomerular density were older age, increased glomerular filtration rate, family history of end-stage renal disease, increased serum uric acid, and increased body mass index. Increased urine albumin excretion, hypertension, decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and metabolic syndrome were also associated with decreased glomerular density after age-sex adjustment. These associations were not explained by the presence of glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, or arteriosclerosis on the renal biopsy sample. In older donors, decreased glomerular density was attenuated by an increased prevalence of glomerulosclerosis and tubular atrophy. Decreased glomerular density is associated with many different kidney function and metabolic risk factors among relatively healthy adults and may represent an early state of increased risk of parenchymal injury.
  Mayo Clinic Proceedings 04/2011; 86(4):282-90. · 5.70 Impact Factor
• Article: Coronary artery disease from isolated non-H2-determined incompatibilities in transplanted mouse hearts.

  Paul S Russell, Catharine M Chase, Joren C Madsen, Tsutomu Hirohashi, Lynn D Cornell, Thomas J Sproule, Robert B Colvin, Derry C Roopenian
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Most studies of vascular disease in transplanted organs have used combinations involving disparities determined by genes of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). This report describes examples of coronary vascular disease occurring in transplanted mouse hearts involving isolated, non-H2-determined incompatibilities. Mice, incompatible in respect of HY, H4, or H60, were selected. For H60, the incompatibility depended on breeding congenic pairs or the introduction of H60 by transgenic methods because the latter method results in more widespread expression. Transplant survival was determined, and the appearance and prevalence of coronary artery vasculopathy (CAV) was established by appropriate histologic methods. Advanced changes of CAV were found at 56 days in transplants involving incompatibilities confined to HY or H4. In both combinations, skin grafts were also rejected. H60 incompatibility does not result in skin graft rejection and only a minority of heart transplants shows evidence of CAV. If heart transplants are preceded by skin grafts bearing both H60 and HY incompatibilities to promote "help" in generating immunity, H60 incompatible hearts develop advanced CAV. Heart transplants in all non-MHC categories ostensibly survive in excellent condition throughout this period despite their CAV. CAV can develop as a consequence of non-MHC incompatibilities alone and even when antigens are sparsely expressed on cardiac tissue. Presensitization leads to much more severe vascular disease. Human leukocyte antigen compatible kidney transplants may also develop vascular disease and patients manifesting reactivity to MHC antigens should also be more prone to develop vascular disease because of undetectable non-MHC incompatibilities.
  Transplantation 03/2011; 91(8):847-52. · 4.00 Impact Factor
• Article: Fibrillary glomerulonephritis: a report of 66 cases from a single institution.

  Samih H Nasr, Anthony M Valeri, Lynn D Cornell, Mary E Fidler, Sanjeev Sethi, Nelson Leung, Fernando C Fervenza
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Fibrillary glomerulonephritis (FGN) is a rare primary glomerular disease. Most previously reported cases were idiopathic. To better define the clinical-pathologic spectrum and prognosis, we report the largest single-center series with the longest follow-up. The characteristics of 66 FGN patients who were seen at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, between 1993 and 2010 are provided. The mean age at diagnosis was 53 years. Ninety-five percent of patients were white, and the female:male ratio was 1.2:1. Underlying malignancy (most commonly carcinoma), dysproteinemia, or autoimmune disease (most commonly Crohn's disease, SLE, Graves' disease, and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura), were present in 23, 17, and 15% of patients, respectively. Presentation included proteinuria (100%), nephrotic syndrome (38%), renal insufficiency (66%), hematuria (52%), and hypertension (71%). The most common histologic pattern was mesangial proliferative/sclerosing GN followed by membranoproliferative GN. During an average of 52.3 months of follow-up for 61 patients with available data, 13% had complete or partial remission, 43% had persistent renal dysfunction, and 44% progressed to ESRD. The disease recurred in 36% of 14 patients who received a kidney transplant. Independent predictors of ESRD by multivariate analysis were older age, higher creatinine and proteinuria at biopsy, and higher percentage of global glomerulosclerosis. Underlying malignancy, dysproteinemia, or autoimmune diseases are not uncommon in patients with FGN. Prognosis is poor, although remission may occur in a minority of patients without immunosuppressive therapy. Age, degree of renal impairment at diagnosis, and degree of glomerular scarring are predictors of renal survival.
  Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 03/2011; 6(4):775-84. · 5.23 Impact Factor
• Article: Senile nephrosclerosis--does it explain the decline in glomerular filtration rate with aging?

  Andrew D Rule, Lynn D Cornell, Emilio D Poggio
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Nephrosclerosis can be defined by the presence of glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, and arteriosclerosis on renal biopsy. Chronic kidney disease is identified clinically by a reduction in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and has been characterized histologically by nephrosclerosis. Many relatively healthy older adults have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease because of a decline in GFR with normal aging. Recent data show that in healthy adults (living kidney donors), nephrosclerosis on renal biopsy does not associate with GFR independent of age. This may be explained by the decline in GFR and nephrosclerosis being universal with aging (i.e. senescence), by structural changes in the kidney other than nephrosclerosis impacting GFR, or by extrarenal factors affecting GFR decline with age. However, the argument that the age-related decline in GFR can be fully explained by the development of nephrosclerosis in a subset of older adults is not supported by existing data.
  Nephron Physiology 01/2011; 119 Suppl 1:p6-11. · 2.55 Impact Factor
• Article: IgG4-related tubulointerstitial nephritis.

  Lynn D Cornell
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) is a disease pattern with heterogeneous causes. Recently a specific subtype of autoimmune TIN, IgG4-related TIN, has been identified that is part of systemic IgG4-related disease/ autoimmune pancreatitis. On biopsy, this TIN shows an IgG4+ plasma cell-rich infiltrate, akin to the pancreatic tissue findings in autoimmune pancreatitis, and may show tubulointerstitial immune complex deposits. Notably, some cases may be mass-forming. Recognition of this specific type of TIN can guide appropriate patient therapy.
  Kidney International 11/2010; 78(10):951-3. · 6.61 Impact Factor
• Article: Dense deposit disease associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

  Sanjeev Sethi, William R Sukov, Yuzhou Zhang, Fernando C Fervenza, Donna J Lager, Dylan V Miller, Lynn D Cornell, Srivilliputtur G Santhana Krishnan, Richard J H Smith
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Dense deposit disease (DDD) is a rare glomerular disease that typically affects children, young adults, and much less commonly, older patients. The pathophysiologic process underlying DDD is uncontrolled activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of complement cascade, most frequently secondary to an autoantibody to C3 convertase called C3 nephritic factor, although mutations in factor H and autoantibodies to this protein can impair its function and also cause DDD. Since 1995, we have diagnosed DDD in 14 patients aged 49 years or older; 10 of these patients (71.4%) carry a concomitant diagnosis of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). In 1 of these 10 patients, the index case described here, we evaluated the AP and showed low serum AP protein levels consistent with complement activity, heterozygosity for the H402 allele of factor H, and low levels of factor H autoantibodies, which can affect the ability of factor H to regulate AP activity. In aggregate, these findings suggest that in some adults with MGUS, DDD may develop as a result of autoantibodies to factor H (or other complement proteins) that on a permissive genetic background (the H402 allele of factor H) lead to dysregulation of the AP with subsequent glomerular damage. Thus, DDD in some older patients may be a distinct clinicopathologic entity that represents an uncommon complication of MGUS.
  American Journal of Kidney Diseases 11/2010; 56(5):977-82. · 5.43 Impact Factor
• Article: Postinfectious glomerulonephritis in the elderly.

  Samih H Nasr, Mary E Fidler, Anthony M Valeri, Lynn D Cornell, Sanjeev Sethi, Amy Zoller, Michael B Stokes, Glen S Markowitz, Vivette D D'Agati
  [show abstract] [hide abstract]
  ABSTRACT: Postinfectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN) is primarily a childhood disease that occurs after an upper respiratory tract infection or impetigo; its occurrence in older patients is not well characterized. Here, we report 109 cases of PIGN in patients ≥65 years old diagnosed by renal biopsy. The male to female ratio was 2.8:1. An immunocompromised background was present in 61%, most commonly diabetes or malignancy. The most common site of infection was skin, followed by pneumonia and urinary tract infection. The most common causative agent was staphylococcus (46%) followed by streptococcus (16%) and unusual gram-negative organisms. Hypocomplementemia was present in 72%. The mean peak serum creatinine was 5.1 mg/dl, and 46% of patients required acute dialysis. The most common light microscopic patterns were diffuse (53%), focal (28%), and mesangial (13%) proliferative glomerulonephritis. IgA-dominant PIGN occurred in 17%. Of the 72 patients with ≥3 months of follow-up (mean, 29 months), 22% achieved complete recovery, 44% had persistent renal dysfunction, and 33% progressed to ESRD. The presence of diabetes, higher creatinine at biopsy, dialysis at presentation, the presence of diabetic glomerulosclerosis, and greater tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis predicted ESRD. In summary, the epidemiology of PIGN is shifting as the population ages. Older men and patients with diabetes or malignancy are particularly at risk, and the sites of infection and causative organisms differ from the typical childhood disease. Prognosis for these older patients is poor, with fewer than 25% recovering full renal function.
  Journal of the American Society of Nephrology 11/2010; 22(1):187-95. · 9.66 Impact Factor