Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2025
Glomerular Outgrowth as an Ex Vivo Assay to Analyze Pathways Involved in Parietal Epithelial Cell Activation
Published on: August 19, 2020
Podocyte Infolding Glomerulopathy: Case Series From a Tertiary Hospital in India
Devika Chauhan1, Swarnim Swarnim2, Bhavana Asit Mehta3
1Department of Pathology, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, New Delhi, India.
Abstract:
Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy is a rare pathological entity characterised by invagination of the podocyte cell membrane into the glomerular basement membrane with presence of microspheres and/or microtubules on electron microscopy. Without an ultrastructure study, it is often confused with and misdiagnosed as membranous nephropathy. The pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear and the majority of cases show association with connective tissue disorders. There is an ongoing debate on whether it represents a distinct disease entity or merely an unusual renal pathological finding of coexisting disease. Till date, only a single case report has been reported from India. We present a series of 4 cases from India along with a review of literature. This case series aims to provide some insights highlighting the clinical, light microscopic, and diagnostic electron microscopic aspects of this uncommon entity.
Insights
Podocyte infolding glomerulopathy, a rare kidney disease, involves podocyte membrane invagination. This case series highlights its clinical and ultrastructural features, aiding diagnosis and differentiating it from membranous nephropathy.
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.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Glaucoma: Overview
01:20Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous...