• Activation of the renin angiotensin system is important in the development of accelerated hypertension and progression to acute renal failure in scleroderma and undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme activity may effectively control blood pressure and ameliorate renal insufficiency. To our knowledge, we describe the first reversal of dialysis-dependent renal insufficiency by enalapril maleate and recovery and maintenance of near-normal renal function in a patient suffering from undifferentiated connective tissue disease with sclerodermatous features. The pathophysiologic mechanisms and long-term treatment implications with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors in this setting are discussed.
(Arch Intern Med 1989;149:582-585)