Which histopathological renal lesion is characteristic of pre-eclampsia and is considered virtually pathognomonic when identified on biopsy?

• A Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
• B Linear IgG deposition along the glomerular basement membrane
• C Glomerular endotheliosis with occlusion of capillary lumina ✓
• D Subepithelial electron-dense humps on the capillary wall

Explanation

Pre-eclampsia produces glomerular endotheliosis: swollen endothelial cells with intracellular vacuoles that narrow or obliterate capillary lumina. This lesion is essentially unique to pre-eclampsia and reverses completely after delivery. Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis causes nephrotic-range proteinuria unrelated to pregnancy, linear IgG deposition defines anti-GBM disease, and subepithelial humps characterise post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, making these three recognisable distractors for anyone who knows glomerular pathology.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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