A 28-year-old man has had hemoptysis and hematuria for the past 2 days. On physical examination, his temperature is 36.8deg C, pulse is 87/min, respirations are 19/min, and blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg. Laboratory studies show creatinine of 3.8 mg/dL and urea nitrogen of 35 mg/dL. Urinalysis shows 4+ hematuria, 2 + proteinuria, and no glucose. A renal biopsy specimen examined microscopically shows glomerular damage and linear immunofluorescence with labeled complement C3 and anti-IgG antibody. Which of the following autoantibodies has the greatest specificity for this patient’s condition?
A 28-year-old man has had hemoptysis and hematuria for the past 2 days. On physical examination, his temperature is 36.8deg C, pulse is 87/min, respirations are 19/min, and blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg. Laboratory studies show creatinine of 3.8 mg/dL and urea nitrogen of 35 mg/dL. Urinalysis shows 4+ hematuria, 2 + proteinuria, and no glucose. A renal biopsy specimen examined microscopically shows glomerular damage and linear immunofluorescence with labeled complement C3 and anti-IgG antibody. Which of the following autoantibodies has the greatest specificity for this patient’s condition?
π‘ Explanation
**Core Concept**
The patient's presentation of hemoptysis and hematuria, along with laboratory findings of renal impairment and urinalysis results, suggests an autoimmune disorder affecting the kidneys. The renal biopsy specimen showing glomerular damage and linear immunofluorescence with labeled complement C3 and anti-IgG antibody is characteristic of a specific type of glomerulonephritis.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The patient's condition is most likely Goodpasture syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against the glomerular basement membrane (GBM). The linear immunofluorescence pattern seen on the renal biopsy specimen is a hallmark of Goodpasture syndrome, indicating the presence of anti-GBM antibodies. These autoantibodies cause damage to the GBM, leading to glomerulonephritis and renal impairment.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Anti-streptolysin O (ASO) titers are typically elevated in patients with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis (PSGN), which is a different type of glomerulonephritis characterized by a post-infectious immune response. PSGN does not typically present with linear immunofluorescence on renal biopsy.
**Option B:** Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) are associated with vasculitides such as granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), which can also cause kidney damage. However, ANCA is not specific for Goodpasture syndrome.
**Option C:** Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies are actually the correct answer, as they are highly specific for Goodpasture syndrome.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Goodpasture syndrome is a classic example of an autoimmune disorder that can cause rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and renal failure. It is essential to consider this diagnosis in patients with hemoptysis and hematuria, especially in the presence of renal impairment and linear immunofluorescence on renal biopsy.
**Correct Answer:** C. Anti-glomerular basement membrane antibodies.
β Correct Answer: A. Anti-basement membrane
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