Atypical lupus nephritis unmasked after albumin correction: a diagnostic pitfall presenting with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis

BMJ Case Reports 2026

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Authors: Sahil Kashyap, Neha Raj, Vijay Kumar, Shubham Khurana, Sanjeev Kumar, Prasheek Chawhan, Mohd Adil, Kadiri Gururaj
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2025-270438
Cited by: 0
References: 6

Abstract

A woman in her 30s presented with generalised swelling and a right occipital-temporal headache. Examination showed grade 4 papilloedema, and magnetic resonance venography revealed thrombosis of the right transverse and sigmoid sinuses extending into the internal jugular vein. Laboratory evaluation demonstrated anaemia, thrombocytopenia, severe hypoalbuminaemia, low complement levels and strongly positive serology for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), with a negative antiphospholipid profile. Initial urinary studies showed non-significant proteinuria (

Fields of Study & Subjects

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Research Renal Diseases and Glomerulopathies Vasculitis and related conditions

Publication details

Journal / source
BMJ Case Reports
Volume
19
Issue
3
Pages
e270438–e270438
Publication date
1 March 2026
Language
EN