Excellent work, your patient tolerated the kidney biopsy well. It’s the day afterwards and your pathologist shows you the H&E. 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 hypercellularity
Normally, the mesangial space between the capillary loops should have no more than 2-3 mesangial cells. We don’t see more than that here.
Podocyte effacement
The podocyte structure is best visualized under electron microscopy, not light microscopy.
Crescentic glomerulonephritis
Bowman’s capsule appears open and we do not see crescents (extracapillary proliferation).
Normal appearing glomerulus
Excellent! Here, we see a normal glomerulus with open capillary loops, normal appearing mesangial matrix, and no more than 2-3 mesangial cells between the capillary loops. Bowman’s space is open and we see 1 layer of parietal epithelial cells.
Click here once you’re ready to look at more slide preparations that might help you narrow down your differential diagnosis!
Case 8 Index
Case 8 Introduction
Case 8 Physical Exam
Case 8 Diagnostic Testing