Immune complex-mediated renal involvement in relapsing polychondritis.
A patient with relapsing polychondritis who presented with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is described. This is the fourth case in which this association is reported. Crescentic glomerulonephritis was found on renal biopsy. Evidence for immunologic participation in the pathogenesis of this condition is suggested by the demonstration of circulating immune complexes, immunoglobulin and complement deposition by immunofluorescence, and electron dense deposits by electron microscopy of the kidney. Favorable response followed therapy with prednisone and dapsone.
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007105:Immune Complex Diseases / Q000473:pathology*; D007668:Kidney / Q000473:pathology; D011081:Polychondritis, Relapsing / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology