Chest Imaging

Goodpasture's syndrome

(Ernest William Goodpasture, 18861960, American pathologist), syndrome characterized by antibasement membrane antibody-mediated glomerulonephritis and diffuse pulmonary haemorrhage. This term is sometimes used less specifically to refer to the combination of glomerulonephritis and pulmonary haemorrhage occurring in association with other diseases, such as polyarteritis, Wegeners granulomatosis chest, or systemic lupus erythematosus, although this should be avoided.

In patients with true Goodpasture's syndrome, immunofluorescent staining of renal tissue shows characteristic linear deposits of IgG anti-basement membrane antibody. Renal dysfunction or acute renal failure are common. Diffuse pulmonary haemorrhage may be life-threatening.

Chest radiographs and HRCT scans show diffuse or patchy areas of either air space consolidation or ground glass opacity (Fig.1).

RW

To view high resolution images,
please register first.

Click  here to register.

Already registered? Enter your e-mail in the window below.
Re-register

Fig.1

a. Chest radiograph of a patient with Goodpasture's syndrome showing bilateral areas of ground-glass opacity in mid- and lower lung zones b. HRCT scan in the same patient showing patchy areas of ground-glass attenuation in lung bases.
Goodpasture's syndrome, Fig.1 (a)
Goodpasture's syndrome, Fig.1 (b)