According to the traditional classification, which category of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis is characterized by granular immunoglobulin and complement deposits on immunofluorescence?
- A Type I (anti-GBM antibody mediated)
- B Type II (immune complex mediated) ✓
- C Type III (pauci-immune, ANCA associated)
- D Type IV (combined anti-GBM and ANCA positive)
Correct answer: B. Type II (immune complex mediated)
Explanation
Type II RPGN is immune complex mediated, occurring as a complication of post-infectious GN, lupus nephritis or IgA nephropathy, and shows granular IF staining for IgG, IgA or C3 corresponding to discrete immune deposits. Type I shows linear GBM staining from anti-GBM antibodies, while Type III has few or no deposits (pauci-immune). The Type IV label is sometimes applied to dual anti-GBM and ANCA positivity but does not define the granular pattern asked here.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.