Abstract
Background: Nodular glomerulosclerosis is a characteristic histological finding of diabetic
nephropathy (DN) with thickened glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and hyalinized
arterioles. Idiopathic nodular glomerulosclerosis (ING), a rare distinct clinicopathologic
entity, is the term used to denote classic DN confirmed by light microscopy, immunofluorescence,
and electron microscopy in the absence of diabetes mellitus (DM). ING
has been linked to heavy tobacco smoking, chronic hypertension, obesity and insulin
resistance. Its association with marijuana use is unknown.
Case Presentation: We report a case of biopsy-proved ING in the absence of pre-existing
history of DM and heavy smoking. This report addresses the possible accentuation of
tobacco use risk by marijuana.
Conclusions: This report addresses the possible accentuation of tobacco use risk by marijuana.