Banded collagen in the kidney with special reference to collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy.

BACKGROUND

The normal glomerular basement membrane, composed of type IV collagen, plays an important function in the process of filtration. Rarely, type III, type I, or type V collagen is seen in the glomerulus, resulting in three different types of non-immune mediated glomerulopathies recognized thus far. These are characterized by deposition of banded collagen fibers in the glomerulus.

METHODS

The authors reviewed 4934 kidney biopsies submitted over the past 5 years. Five of these revealed the presence of banded collagen in the glomeruli.

CONCLUSION

Combined clinical and ultrastructural examination has led to a definitive diagnosis. These diseases exhibit indolent progression and as yet do not have specific treatment.