Goodpasture syndrome physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Ali Poyan Mehr, M.D. [2]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Krzysztof Wierzbicki M.D. [3] Akshun Kalia M.B.B.S.[4]

A complete medical history and comprehensive renal and pulmonary exam must be performed to help identify and properly diagnose Goodpasture syndrome.The presence of tachypnea, inspiratory crackles, edema and hypertension on physical examination are suggestive of presence of renal and pulmonary disorders such as Goodpasture syndrome.

A complete medical history and comprehensive renal and pulmonary exam must be performed to help identify and properly diagnose Goodpasture syndrome. A thorough physical examination can provide insight into possible causes and associated underlying conditions. The following findings may be present during a physical examination of Goodpasture syndrome:^[1]

• The presence of tachypnea, inspiratory crackles, edema and hypertension on physical examination are suggestive of presence of renal and pulmonary disorders such as Goodpasture syndrome.

• Patients with Goodpasture syndrome usually appear fatigued.

• Low-grade fever
• Tachycardia
• Tachypnea
• High blood pressure (advanced renal failure)

• Skin examination of patients with severe Goodpasture syndrome may present with cyanosis from autoantibodies induced lung injury.

• HEENT examination of patients with Goodpasture syndrome is usually normal.

• Lungs are hyporresonant
• Fine Crackles upon auscultation of the lung bases may be present unilaterally/bilaterally

• Abdominal tenderness may be present over renal angles.
• Hepatosplenomegaly (present in few cases)

• Hematuria may be observed.

Extremities examination of patients with Goodpasture syndrome may present with:

• Cyanosis
• Pitting edema of the lower extremities

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