Podocyte Infolding Glomerulopathy: Case Series From a Tertiary Hospital in India

Area of Science:

• Nephrology
• Pathology
• Electron Microscopy

Background:

• Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy is a rare renal pathology characterized by podocyte membrane invagination into the glomerular basement membrane.
• Diagnosis often requires electron microscopy, as it can be mistaken for membranous nephropathy without ultrastructural examination.
• Its pathogenesis is unclear, frequently associated with connective tissue disorders, sparking debate on its distinct entity status.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a series of four cases of podocyte infolding glomerulopathy from India.
• To review existing literature on this uncommon renal entity.
• To elucidate the clinical, light microscopic, and diagnostic electron microscopic features.

Main Methods:

• Case series analysis of four patients diagnosed with podocyte infolding glomerulopathy.
• Review of relevant medical literature.
• Detailed examination of light microscopy and diagnostic electron microscopy findings.

Main Results:

• The study presents four cases of podocyte infolding glomerulopathy from India, a region with limited reported cases.
• Electron microscopy revealed characteristic microspheres and/or microtubules, crucial for differentiating from other glomerular diseases.
• Clinical and pathological data were analyzed to highlight diagnostic aspects.

Conclusions:

• Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy is a distinct pathological entity that requires electron microscopy for accurate diagnosis.
• Understanding its features is crucial for differentiating it from membranous nephropathy and other glomerular diseases.
• This series contributes to the limited global data and provides insights into managing this rare condition.