Interpretation of electron microscopy of renal biopsy sample: findings of podocyte and glomerular basement membrane

Abstract

This article outlines the findings of normal glomeruli on electron microscopy (EM) and outlines the EM terms and definitions for glomerular abnormalities. EM glomerular abnormalities are closely related to clinical findings. In podocytes, severe loss of foot processes, condensation of cytoskeletal material, cellular hypertrophy, and increased intracytoplasmic lysosomes and vacuolation suggest severe damage of podocytes and help to distinguish focal segmental glomerulosclerosis from minimal change disease. Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) changes are seen in not only Alport syndrome but also many other glomerular disease. Especially in IgA nephropathy, GBM changes on EM suggest disease activity and should be observed with caution.