Background: Renal manifestations of rheumatic diseases are sometimes very subtle and difficult to recognize. In another subset of patients they can present as the initial leading symptom of a given disease. Sjögren’s syndrome, Systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic scleroderma, renal vasculitis, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease can all manifest or be accompanied by renal impairment. Methods and Results: The authors reviewed the literature on renal manifestation of rheumatic diseases using the key words, lupus erythematosus, systemic autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis in publicly available internet search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar. The following review utilized the information gleaned from these review articles. Conclusion: The early recognition by the primary care physician and diagnosis of renal manifestations requires proper interpretation of the clinical situation, laboratory results and image analysis; in conjunction with close interdisciplinary collaboration between various specialists can lead to a more favorable outcome for the patient.
