[Balkan-nephropathy, a particular form of interstitial nephritis (author's transl)]

Because of epidemiological, clinical, pathomorphological, and etiological criteria the Balkan-nephropathy is suggested to be a particular form of chronic interstitial nephritis with super-imposed pyelonephritis in about 30 p.c. of the patients. A basic scheme illustrates the origin and the development of the endemia as well as etiology and clinical course of the disease. Another scheme shows pathogenesis and pathomorphogenesis of the nephritis. This analysis about the characteristics of the endemic Balkan-nephropathy allows for the clarification of the triad: endemic occurrance, familial susceptibility, and mosaik like morbidity. The following important aspects of the disease are given: rarely occuring hypertension, facultative leukuria, and bacteriuria, smooth nephrocirrhosis. Prophylactic and therapeutic prospects are given.