Low-dose corticosteroid and gallium-67 scintigraphy and acute interstitial nephritis

We describe a 19-year-old male who developed diclofenac-induced acute interstitial nephritis (AIN). Diffuse mononuclear cell infiltration was confirmed by renal biopsy and a Gallium (Ga)-67 scintigraphy revealed diffuse uptake of the isotope in both kidneys. His renal function had gradually and promptly recovered after initiation of low-dose prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg/day). There are no established criteria for the administration of corticosteroids in the treatment of drug-induced AIN. Moreover,no clear recommendations regarding the optimal dose and duration of steroid administration in the treatment for drug-induced AIN has been established. In addition,we discuss the clinical benefit of steroid treatment and the diagnostic impact of Ga scanning on the management of drug-induced AIN.