Case Reports in Nephrology 2026

Nephrology continues to progress rapidly through advances in biomarker discovery, omics and sequencing technologies, high-resolution imaging, artificial intelligence–enabled risk prediction and evolving medical and interventional therapies. Yet individual patient cases still challenge established pathways—presenting with rare diseases, atypical clinical patterns, unexpected trajectories, complex multi-morbidity, or exceptional responses to treatment.

This Research Topic aims to publish high-quality Case Reports that provide practical, clinically relevant insight into these uncommon or surprising renal scenarios, showing how careful diagnostics and innovative management can bridge routine practice and emerging approaches in kidney health.

This collection seeks to showcase unique case reports that meaningfully advance clinical understanding across the spectrum of kidney diseases and related disorders with major kidney impact. By presenting detailed analyses of unusual cases, the Research Topic aims to stimulate discussion, support clinical learning, and inform future research and care pathways. Each accepted case report should function as an educational resource, demonstrating clinical reasoning, diagnostic strategy, multidisciplinary decision-making (e.g., nephrology–cardiology, nephrology–rheumatology, nephrology–infectious diseases, nephrology–critical care), and therapeutic intervention across acute and chronic kidney care settings.

To ensure a focused and high-value collection, this Research Topic will strictly include Case Reports. Submissions must be original, clearly described, and demonstrate a compelling contribution to nephrology practice, research, or translational insight. The scope is intentionally broad and includes, but is not limited to:

o Diagnostic challenges in rare or atypical kidney diseases, including unusual presentations, mimics, and diagnostically complex cases (e.g., glomerular disease, tubulointerstitial disease, hereditary nephropathies, and systemic diseases with renal involvement)
o Complex or unexpected AKI/CKD trajectories, including atypical progression patterns, reversible causes, and diagnostic dilemmas in acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, and cardiorenal or hepatorenal syndromes
o Innovative or individualized treatment approaches for renal disorders, including novel immunomodulatory strategies, interventional procedures, or unconventional management decisions supported by strong clinical rationale
o Complications and management lessons related to kidney replacement therapy (haemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis), kidney transplantation, vascular access, or extracorporeal therapies (including unusual adverse events, drug interactions, or treatment failures)
o Comorbidities and multisystem interactions (e.g., cardiometabolic, autoimmune, infectious, hematologic, oncologic, pregnancy-related, or critical care conditions) that alter renal disease presentation, prognosis, or treatment response
o Technological and imaging advancements relevant to nephrology care (e.g., ultrasound, CT/MRI, contrast considerations, imaging-guided interventions, point-of-care diagnostics, and emerging modalities)
o Genomic, molecular, and translational approaches that support diagnosis, risk stratification, prognostication, or patient counselling
o AI-informed clinical decision support or predictive modelling used in real-world kidney care, including successes, limitations, and lessons learned from deployment in complex clinical scenarios
o Kidney disaster medicine and environmental/occupational exposures with renal impact, including mass casualty contexts, heat injury, toxins, or unusual exposure-related nephropathies
o Outcomes that shift understanding or practice, including exceptional responses, unexpected complications, or management pathways that generate clear learning value for clinicians and researchers

In alignment with the mission of the Nephrology section of Frontiers in Medicine, this Research Topic welcomes case reports that advance understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney diseases and related disorders with major kidney impact, and that support progress toward SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being.

Submission requirement: manuscripts must have “Case Report” included in their titles to be considered.