Objectives To analyze the diagnosis and management of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) accompanied with irreversible leukoencephalopathy in children. Methods The clinical, laboratory and imaging data were retrospectively analyzed in a SRNS child accompanied with irreversible leukoencephalopathy. A literature review was performed. Results After clinical diagnosis of SRNS, glucocorticoid, immunosuppressant, and hemodialysis were administrated for 10 months. During the course of treatment, the seizures, visual problems, and hypertension were repeatedly occured. The cranial MRI showed bilateral occipital parietal lobe hyperintensity and right frontotemporal lobe hyperintensity on T2-weighted imaging and bilateral occipital parietal lobe hypointensity on T2-Flair imaging, which indicated that encephalomalacia was accompanied with gliosis. Conclusions A variety of reasons may induce leukoencephalopathy in children. The accompanied irreversible leukoencephalopathy should be strongly considered in management of SRNS.