Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN)

Overview

Rapidly Progressive Glomerulonephritis (RPGN) is a histopathological morphology of glomerulonephritis which can be caused by a wide variety of diseases. RPGN is characterized by the extremely rapid development of the signs and symptoms traditional nephritic syndrome.

Morphology

RPGN is histopathologically characterized by the presence of cellular "Crescents" within Bowman's space and is thus sometimes termed "Crescentic Glomerulonephritis". These crescents are composed of a variety of cells but include inflammatory cells
During the course of disease they may enlarge to completely obliterate the glomerulus.

Clinical Consequences

RPGN is dominated by a picture of nephritic syndrome (i.e. hematuria, pyuria, secondary hypertension, oliguria, and azotemia). However, nephritic symptoms progress extremely rapidly in RPGN and can quickly result in acute renal failure.

Etiology and Pathogenesis

As mentioned, RPGN is not a unique etiopathogenic entity and can be caused by a diverse variety of diseases that include the following. These are provided as links and are not subtopics of this page.
Goodpasture Syndrome
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
Wegener Granulomatosis
Pauci-immune Glomerulonephritis
Acute Proliferative Glomerulonephritis
Microscopic Polyangiitis