Renal Path Review 2

Question 1

biopsy findings of minimal change disease

Answer 1

*light microscopy: normal glomeruli
*immunofluorescence: negative
*electron microscopy: effacement of podocyte foot processes

Question 2

biopsy findings of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Answer 2

*light microscopy: segmental sclerosis and hyalinosis
*immunofluorescence: often negative
*electron microscopy: effacement of podocyte foot processes

Question 3

biopsy findings of IgA nephropathy

Answer 3

*light microscopy: mesangial proliferation / expansion
*immunofluorescence: IgA-based immune complex deposits in mesangium
*electron microscopy: mesangial immune complex deposition

Question 4

Henoch-Schoenlein purpura

Answer 4

*IgA nephropathy PLUS systemic vasculitis
*classic features:
1. hematuria/IgA nephropathy
2. palpable purpura, leukocytoclastic rash
3. GI symptoms: N/V, abdominal pain, GI bleed
4. arthritis/arthralgias

Question 5

biopsy findings of post-infectious glomerulonephritis

Answer 5

*light microscopy: enlarged & hypercellular glomeruli (proliferative & exudative glomerulonephritis; rich in NEUTROPHILS)
*immunofluorescence: granular, “starry sky” appearance due to IgG, IgM, and C3 deposition along GBM and mesangium
*electron microscopy: subepithelial immune complex “hump-like” deposits

Question 6

which kidney diseases are associated with low complement levels?

Answer 6

*postinfectious glomerulonephritis (PIGN)
*membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, including:
-C3 glomerulonephritis
-dense deposit disease
*lupus nephritis