Renal biopsy in a woman who died of eclampsia shows enlarged, swollen glomerular endothelial cells that occlude the capillary lumina, giving an appearance described as 'bloodless glomeruli'. What is this characteristic lesion called?
- A Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
- B Glomerular endotheliosis ✓
- C Membranous nephropathy
- D Crescentic glomerulonephritis
Correct answer: B. Glomerular endotheliosis
Explanation
Pre-eclampsia produces a distinctive renal lesion termed glomerular endotheliosis: endothelial cells become swollen and vacuolated, obliterating capillary lumina, so the glomerulus appears pale and 'bloodless' on light microscopy. The changes are reversible after delivery. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, and crescentic glomerulonephritis are unrelated entities with different morphology and are not associated specifically with the pregnant hypertensive state.
Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.