Diffuse proliferative glomerulonephritis (DPGN) is a term used to describe a distinct histological form of glomerulonephritis common to various types of systemic inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE] and Wegener granulomatosis. In DPGN, more than 50% of the glomeruli (diffuse) show an increase in mesangial, epithelial, endothelial (proliferative), and inflammatory cells (i.e., glomerulonephritis) and when fewer than 50% of the glomeruli are involved, the condition is termed focal proliferative glomerulonephritis.Sporadic forms of renal diseases that can manifest histologically as focal, segmental, necrotizing, and crescentic glomerulonephritis or DPGN with undetermined incidence include microscopic polyangiitis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, cryoglobulinemia, Henoch-Schönlein purpura and connective tissue diseases. In severe forms of DPGN, epithelial proliferation obliterates the Bowman space (i.e., crescents). The resulting acute kidney injury may manifest as an acute anuria or a steady decline in renal function. Spontaneous remission is rare, and treatment results are anecdotal.

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