On electron microscopy, a biopsy from a child with nephrotic syndrome shows diffuse effacement of podocyte foot processes with no immune deposits. Light microscopy is normal. The most likely diagnosis is:
- A Membranous nephropathy
- B Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)
- C Minimal change disease (MCD) ✓
- D IgA nephropathy
Correct answer: C. Minimal change disease (MCD)
Explanation
Minimal change disease shows normal light microscopy and immunofluorescence (no deposits), with electron microscopy revealing only diffuse effacement of podocyte foot processes. It is the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome in children and responds dramatically to corticosteroids. FSGS also shows foot process effacement but has segmental sclerosis on light microscopy. Membranous nephropathy has subepithelial deposits.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.