Extracapillary glomerulonephritis with necrotizing vasculitis in D-penicillamine-treated rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis occurred in a woman with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who had been treated with D-penicillamine for 3 months. Light microscopy study of the kidney showed severe glomerulonephritis with crescent formation in 50% of glomeruli and necrotizing vasculitis. Immunoflurescence revealed IgA and C3 granular deposits diffusely distributed along the capillary walls. The patient was treated with steroid 'pulse', antiplatelet agents and heparin and a partial recovery of renal function was observed after 2 months of anuria. This renal picture is unlike that reported in RA and a causative role for D-penicillamine is suggested.

• Authors: G Banfi, E Imbasciati, L Guerra, M J Mihatsch, C Ponticelli
• Journal: Nephron (Nephron) Vol. 33 Issue 1 Pg. 56-60 ( 1983) ISSN: 1660-8151 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 6339966 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Penicillamine

Topics

• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (complications)
• Female
• Fluorescent Antibody Technique
• Glomerulonephritis (chemically induced, pathology)
• Humans
• Microscopy, Electron
• Middle Aged
• Penicillamine (adverse effects)
• Vasculitis (chemically induced, pathology)