Friday 12 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 47.7: Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis

Mesangiocapillary glomerulonephritis, also known as membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis is a rare form of glomerulonephritis.


There are 3 subtypes:


Type 1:
  • subendothelial immune deposits
  • caused by cryoglobulinaemia, hepatitis C
  • also associated with:
    • hep B
    • bacterial endocarditis
    • SLE
    • malaria
    • sickle cell disease
Type 2:
  • intramembranous electron-dense material --> 'double tramline'
  • associated with partial lipodystrophy
  • C3b nephritic factor present in 70%
  • low C3

Type 3:
  • associated with hepatitis B and C

Treatment is with steroids

50% of patients progress to end stage renal failure.