[Goodpasture syndrome and (idiopathic) immune complex glomerulonephritis with pulmonary hemorrhage: 2 different syndromes?].

While Goodpasture syndrome was previously defined purely clinically by the combination of pneumorrhagia and glomerulonephritis, today the following immunologic criteria must also be satisfied: evidence, provided by immunofluorescent investigation of the kidneys and lungs, of antibasement membrane antibodies in the serum and linear deposits of immunoglobulins, due to direct apposition of antibasement membrane antibodies. Cases where the lesions are caused by immune complexes should no longer be designated as Goodpasture syndrome. In the light of one of our own cases of immune complex glomerulonephritis with pneumorrhagia, the question is raised whether this subdivision by means of immunologic investigations is meaningful for the clinician.