IgA nephropathy (Berger disease) characteristically presents with gross hematuria coinciding with upper respiratory infections ('synpharyngitic hematuria'). The immune complex deposits are found predominantly in the:

• A Subepithelial space (between podocytes and GBM)
• B Mesangium ✓
• C Subendothelial space (between endothelium and GBM)
• D Glomerular basement membrane itself (intramembranous)

Explanation

IgA nephropathy is defined by mesangial deposition of polymeric IgA1 (often with IgG and C3). The concurrent hematuria with mucosal infections reflects IgA's role in mucosal immunity. Subepithelial deposits characterize post-streptococcal GN (humps) and membranous nephropathy. Subendothelial deposits are seen in lupus nephritis class III/IV and MPGN.

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

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.