On electron microscopy of a renal biopsy, 'humps' — large, dome-shaped electron-dense deposits on the subepithelial surface of the GBM — are most characteristic of which glomerular disease?
- A Membranous nephropathy
- B IgA nephropathy
- C Post-infectious (post-streptococcal) glomerulonephritis ✓
- D Dense deposit disease
Correct answer: C. Post-infectious (post-streptococcal) glomerulonephritis
Explanation
Post-infectious GN (classically post-streptococcal) characteristically shows large, hump-shaped, subepithelial electron-dense deposits on EM, thought to represent in situ immune complex formation or planted antigen-antibody interaction. Membranous nephropathy also has subepithelial deposits but they are small, regular, and numerous without the 'hump' morphology. Dense deposit disease (C3 GN type II) has transformation of the entire GBM lamina densa into an electron-dense ribbon-like structure.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.