Electron microscopy of a renal biopsy shows subepithelial 'hump-shaped' dense deposits along glomerular basement membranes. This pattern is most consistent with which condition?
- A Post-infectious (post-streptococcal) glomerulonephritis ✓
- B Membranous nephropathy
- C Dense deposit disease (C3 glomerulonephritis type II)
- D IgA nephropathy
Explanation
Post-infectious (post-streptococcal) glomerulonephritis characteristically shows subepithelial 'hump-shaped' electron-dense deposits on EM, corresponding to immune complex deposition at the subepithelial space. Membranous nephropathy shows diffuse subepithelial deposits in a 'spike and dome' pattern. Dense deposit disease shows dense intramembranous ribbon-like deposits (within GBM). IgA nephropathy shows mesangial deposits. The hump morphology is pathognomonic of PSGN.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
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