Excellent work, your patient tolerated the kidney biopsy well. It’s the day afterwards and your pathologist shows you the Periodic-Acid Schiff or PAS stain. Click here if you want some quick pathology tips.
Which of the following do you see below?
Endocapillary proliferation with obliteration of the capillary loops
The loops appear to be open here, and we don’t see obliteration of the loops or endocapillary proliferation.
Mesangial matrix expansion
Correct! We see increased area of the mesangial matrix (look for more pink/purple between the capillary loops), best seen on the PAS stain for collagen.
Podocyte effacement
The podocyte structure is best visualized under electron microscopy, not light microscopy.
Subepithelial deposits
Subepithelial deposits are best seen under electron microscopy, not light microscopy.
Click here once you’re ready to look at more stains that might help you narrow down your differential diagnosis!
Case 6 Index
Case 6 Introduction
Case 6 Physical Exam
Case 6 Diagnostic Testing