[Primary malignant nephrosclerosis (author's transl)]

Primary malignant nephrosclerosis shows a haemolytic-uraemic symptomatology and can be differentiated from secondary malignant nephrosclerosis on clinical and histological grounds. The disease was observed in 4 patients: a 25-year-old man and 3 women aged 19, 28 and 49 years. The disease is characterized by a fulminating course, malignant hypertension with progressive retinopathy, and development of progressive renal failure with subsequent irreversible anuria. In addition haemolytic anaemia or posthaemolytic states as well as consumption coagulopathy occur. In 2 cases schizozytes and in particular helmet-shaped forms could be demonstrated. On histology an obliterating necrotizing vascular change is seen which is limited to the kidneys as was demonstrated in one case by angiography. Therapeutic attempts included antibiotics, steroids, heparin, streptokinase, antihypertensive drugs, and haemodialysis. The 3 female patients died, the man survived after bilateral nephrectomy.