CASE REPORT article
Front. Pediatr.
Sec. Pediatric Infectious Diseases
A classical PSGN case with unusually prominent serosal manifestations and complement patterns that mimicked systemic autoimmune disease — highlighting diagnostic pitfalls and biopsy decision-making
Provisionally accepted
- 1Good Samaritan University Hospital, West Islip, United States
- 2New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine, Old Westbury, United States
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Introduction: Post-Streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN) most commonly follows streptococcal infections and presents with classic features such as hematuria, proteinuria, hypertension, and transient renal dysfunction. While renal-limited disease is typical, extrarenal manifestations—particularly serosal involvement—are exceptionally rare in children. Case Presentation: We report a rare case of an adolescent who presented with nephritic syndrome marked by hypertension, gross hematuria, proteinuria, and notably, concurrent pleural and pericardial effusions. Laboratory evaluation revealed low serum complement levels (C3 and C4), consistent with immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis. Extensive infectious and autoimmune workups were unremarkable. The patient was managed conservatively with antihypertensives and diuretics, with complete resolution of symptoms and normalization of renal function and complement levels within four weeks. To our knowledge, serosal involvement (pleural and pericardial effusions) at initial presentation in pediatric PSGN remains extremely rare, with very few documented cases in the literature. This report contributes valuable clinical insight, emphasizing that PSGN can occasionally mimic systemic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Early identification and conservative management can prevent overtreatment and improve outcomes. Conclusion: This case underscores an unusual presentation of PSGN with serosal involvement—a manifestation reported only sporadically in literature. Recognition of such rare systemic features is crucial to avoid diagnostic delays or unnecessary immunosuppression. Supportive care alone led to favorable outcomes, reinforcing the self-limited nature of PSGN even in atypical presentations. It serves as a valuable reminder that atypical PSGN can present with multi-system inflammation, and a precise diagnostic approach integrating serology and clinical course is essential to avoid unnecessary intervention.
Keywords: Diagnostic uncertainty, Hypocomplementemia, Pediatric nephritic syndrome, Post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, Serosal involvement
Received: 02 Dec 2025; Accepted: 16 Feb 2026.
Copyright: © 2026 James, Santy, Saverimuttu, Kamath and Steinberg. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Vinson James
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