Collagen Type III Glomerulopathies

The 2 rare disorders characterized by the pathological accumulation of collagen type III in glomeruli are discussed. These are collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy, also known as collagen type III glomerulopathy, and the nail-patella syndrome. Although there are similarities in abnormal morphology, with type III collagen in mesangium and/or capillary walls, there is no genetic or pathogenic link to them. Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy presents either in childhood, often with a family history suggesting autosomal recessive inheritance, or in adults as a sporadic occurrence. Proteinuria is the typical manifestation, with progression to ESRD in approximately 10 years. Although there is markedly elevated serum precursor collagen type III protein in the circulation, the usual manner of diagnosis is with kidney biopsy, which discloses type III collagen in subendothelial aspects of capillary walls and often in the mesangial matrix. Glomerular involvement in the nail-patella syndrome invariably presents in a patient with an established diagnosis of this multisystem disorder with orthopedic and cutaneous manifestations. It is owing to mutations in the gene LMX1B. Although the lesion may be asymptomatic, it is usually manifested by proteinuria. Structural lesions are of collagen type III within glomerular basement membranes, different in distribution to collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy. The clinical course is variable.