Pathology · Glomerular Diseases (Nephrotic/Nephritic Syndromes)

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
Correct answer: A. Post-infectious (post-streptococcal) glomerulonephritis

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.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 23,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More Glomerular Diseases (Nephrotic/Nephritic Syndromes) MCQs

See all Glomerular Diseases (Nephrotic/Nephritic Syndromes) MCQs →