A case of Goodpasture's syndrome associated with anti-myeloperoxidase antibodies

Abstract

A case of Goodpasture's syndrome with anti-myeloperoxidase (MPO) antibodies is reported. Histological examination revealed crescentic glomerulonephritis and alveolar hemorrhage with linear deposition of IgG along the glomerular capillary walls and alveolar capillary walls by immunofluorescence microscopy. Not only anti-glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies but also anti-MPO antibodies, an anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody, were simultaneously detected in the serum. Although it is generally accepted that crescentic glomerulonephritis in Goodpasture's syndrome is mediated by anti-GBM antibodies, this case suggested that anti-MPO antibodies might also participate in the pathogenesis of crescentic glomerulonephritis and probably alveolar hemorrhage of Goodpasture's syndrome, especially with vasculitis.