Glomerular Disease

A comprehensive guide to immunological and structural kidney disorders.

Intermediate Mastery
High-Yield Pathophysiology
  • Disruption of the filtration barrier (endothelial cells, GBM, and podocytes).
  • Immune-mediated injury via antibody-antigen complexes or direct podocyte damage.
  • Loss of negative charge in Minimal Change Disease leads to selective proteinuria.
  • Hypercellularity caused by inflammatory cell infiltration (Leukocytes/Monocytes).
High-Yield Pathophysiology
  • Disruption of the filtration barrier (endothelial cells, GBM, and podocytes).
  • Immune-mediated injury via antibody-antigen complexes or direct podocyte damage.
  • Loss of negative charge in Minimal Change Disease leads to selective proteinuria.
  • Hypercellularity caused by inflammatory cell infiltration (Leukocytes/Monocytes).

Pathology Visuals

Light Microscopy H&E
Light Microscopy (H&E)
Electron Microscopy
Electron Microscopy
Immunofluorescence

Differential Diagnosis & Criteria

ConditionHallmark FeatureLab Findings
Minimal ChangePodocyte effacementSelective Proteinuria
Post-Step GNSubepithelial "Humps"Low C3 levels, ASO+
IgA NephropathyMesangial DepositsHematuria with URI

Knowledge Check

Test your understanding of the concepts above.

1. Which of the following is the most sensitive finding for Minimal Change Disease under electron microscopy?

2. A 7-year-old patient presents with periorbital edema and cola-colored urine 2 weeks after a throat infection. What is the expected C3 level?