Which two organ systems are classically affected in Goodpasture syndrome?

• A. Lungs and kidneys
• B. Heart and brain
• C. Skin and joints
• D. Liver and spleen

Answer: (C)

Goodpasture syndrome is characterized by autoantibodies that attack basement membranes in two organs: the lungs and the kidneys. The anti-GBM antibodies bind to the alveolar and glomerular basement membranes, driving inflammation that leads to pulmonary hemorrhage and glomerulonephritis. Clinically, this means patients can have coughing up blood and shortness of breath from lung involvement, along with blood in the urine and signs of kidney dysfunction from renal involvement. Diagnostic clues include linear IgG deposition along basement membranes on immunofluorescence and circulating anti-GBM antibodies. Because these two organ systems are the primary targets, the lungs and kidneys are the classic pair affected. The other organ pairings don’t fit this pattern and are associated with different diseases.