Acute Renal Failure of Glomerular Origin during Visceral Abscesses

Abstract

We studied 11 patients who had visceral abscesses and in whom acute renal failure developed. All renal biopsies showed a diffuse proliferative and crescentic glomerulonephritis. In seven patients blood cultures were repeatedly negative. Endocarditis could be ruled out in six patients. Seven patients had circulating cryoglobulins; serum complement levels were normal in seven and decreased in four; circulating immune complexes were found in the three patients studied.