Goodpasture syndrome commonly involves which two organ systems?

• A. Hepatic failure
• B. Glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage
• C. Diabetes mellitus and pancreatitis
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Answer: (C)

Goodpasture syndrome is defined by autoantibodies that attack basement membranes in two places: the kidneys and the lungs. This causes rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and pulmonary hemorrhage, the classic two-organ involvement. The underlying mechanism is antibodies against type IV collagen in the glomerular and alveolar basement membranes, leading to inflammation and damage in these sites. Clinically, patients often present with hemoptysis and shortness of breath from pulmonary hemorrhage, along with signs of kidney injury such as hematuria, proteinuria, and rising creatinine. Diagnosis is supported by detectable anti-GBM antibodies and, on kidney biopsy, crescentic glomerulonephritis with linear IgG deposition along the basement membrane. Treatment focuses on removing circulating antibodies with plasmapheresis and suppressing the immune response with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants. The other options don’t reflect this characteristic combination of kidney and lung involvement seen in Goodpasture.