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.