There is demonstrated the temporal association of PVB19 viremia and collapsing FSGS, due primary infection or viral reactivation. The association of collapsing FSGS and PVB19 is described in the literature, demonstrating virus presence in kidney tissue, but the real relationship of virus in the pathogenesis of this glomerulopathy remains unclear.

Introduction: Invasive procedures performed by trained nephrologists can reduce delays in making a definitive vascular access, complications, number of procedures on the same patient, and costs for the Public Health System. Objective: to demonstrate that a long-term tunneled central venous catheter (LTCVC) implanted by a nephrologist is safe, effective, and associated with excellent results. Methods: A retrospective study analyzed 149 consecutively performed temporary-to-long-term tunneled central venous catheter conversions in the operating room (OR) from a dialysis facility from March 2014 to September 2017. The data collected consisted of the total procedures performed, demographic characteristics of the study population, rates of success, aborted procedure, failure, complications, and catheter survival, and costs. Results: the main causes of end stage renal disease (ESRD) were systemic arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus, 37.9% each. Patients had a high number of previous arteriovenous fistula (1.72 ± 0.84) and temporary catheter (2.87 ± 1.9) attempts until a definitive vascular access was achieved, while the preferred vascular site was right internal jugular vein (80%). Success, abortion, and failure rates were 93.3%, 2.7% and 4%, respectively, with only 5.36% of complications (minors). Overall LTCVC survival rates over 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were 93.38, 71.81, 54.36, and 30.2%, respectively, with a mean of 298 ± 280 days (median 198 days). The procedure cost was around 496 dollars. Catheter dysfunction was the main reason for catheter removal (34%). Conclusion: Our analysis shows that placement of LTCVC by a nephrologist in an OR of a dialysis center is effective, safe, and results in substantial cost savings.

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Hypercalcemia is a vital laboratory marker because it can show underlying severe diseases like cancer and infections. Of all the causes of hypercalcemia, primary hyperparathyroidism, and malignancies are the most common, but granulomatous diseases, such as certain fungal infections, can also be the cause. Here we describe the case of a 29-year-old woman, an insulin-dependent diabetic, found unconscious and tachypneic at home. In the emergency room, the medical team diagnosed diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and acute kidney injury (AKI). During hospitalization, despite resolving acidemia, persistent hypercalcemia attracted attention. Laboratory tests showed decreased parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, confirming non-PTH-dependent hypercalcemia. Computed tomography (CT) of the chest and abdomen demonstrated no alterations, but an upper digestive endoscopy revealed an ulcerated and infiltrative lesion in the stomach. A biopsy showed a granulomatous infiltrate due to mucormycosis infection. The patient received liposomal amphotericin B for 30 days and isavuconazonium for two months. Serum calcium levels improved during treatment. Inquiry of the etiology of hypercalcemia should begin with the PTH assay; high levels are consistent with hyperparathyroidism; low levels, with calcium or vitamin D intoxication, malignancies, prolonged immobilization, and granulomatous diseases. In the latter cases, the overproduction of 1-alpha-hydroxylase by the granulomatous tissue increases the conversion of 25(OH)vitamin D into 1–25(OH)vitamin D, which causes the intestinal absorption of calcium. We have described the first hypercalcemia related to mucormycosis infection in a young diabetic patient, although case presentations associate other fungal infections with elevated serum calcium.