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Updated: Dec 14, 2025

Whole-Kidney Three-Dimensional Staining with CUBIC
Published on: July 18, 2022
Images of the month: Crystalglobulin-induced nephropathy
Sam Lf Lau1, Fernand M-M Lai2, Kai-Ming Chow1
1Carol and Richard Yu Peritoneal Dialysis Research Centre, Hong Kong, China.
Abstract:
We report a patient with chronic diabetes and was referred for recent onset proteinuria. Light microscopy of the renal biopsy specimen showed mildly expanded mesangium with mesangial hypercellularity and segmental sclerosis, features compatible with diabetic glomerulosclerosis. However, crystalglobulin-induced nephropathy with crystal deposit was identified on electron microscopy. Renal biopsy is often performed for diabetic patients who present with proteinuria and light microscopy often shows features of diabetic glomerulosclerosis. Additional information may occasionally be revealed on electron microscopy, altering the subsequent plan of management.
Insights
Diabetic glomerulosclerosis is often diagnosed in patients with diabetes and proteinuria. However, electron microscopy revealed crystalglobulin-induced nephropathy, highlighting the importance of advanced imaging in diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Pathology
- Electron Microscopy
Background:
- Diabetic nephropathy is a common complication of diabetes mellitus.
- Proteinuria is a key indicator of kidney damage in diabetic patients.
- Renal biopsy is crucial for diagnosing kidney diseases in diabetic individuals.
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