# IgA-Dominant Staphylococcus-Associated Glomerulonephritis: An Uncommon Complication of Intravenous Drug Use

## TL;DR

A young woman who used intravenous heroin developed a rare kidney disease linked to Staphylococcus infection, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis.

## Contribution

This case report introduces IgA-dominant Staphylococcus-associated glomerulonephritis as a newly recognized medical condition.

## Key findings

- The patient developed septic pulmonary emboli and tricuspid valve endocarditis from intravenous drug use.
- She later developed acute renal failure confirmed as IgA-dominant Staphylococcus-associated glomerulonephritis.
- Early recognition of this condition is critical to avoid severe outcomes.

## Abstract

A 24-year-old female with a history of intravenous heroin use presented with two weeks of chills, myalgias, and cough and was found to be in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Subsequent workup revealed the presence of bilateral septic pulmonary emboli and tricuspid valve endocarditis. Several weeks into her hospitalization, she developed periorbital edema and laboratory testing revealed she had developed acute renal failure and nephrotic range proteinuria. A renal biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of IgA-dominant Staphylococcus-associated glomerulonephritis (IgA-SAGN). Early recognition of this newly recognized variant of glomerulonephritis is paramount, as improper treatment may lead to catastrophic consequences.