Published on
​Pathology - IgA Nephropathy ( Berger Disease)
IgA deposition in the glomerular mesangium is the primary kidney illness that can occur following infections such as viral upper respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal infection, or flu-like syndrome. It can also be a part of Henoch-Schonlein purpura.
Most frequently observed in children and young adults, with a higher prevalence in males than in females.

Pathology  
Light microscopy reveals focal proliferative glomerulonephritis with diffuse mesangial expansion.
Electron microscopy reveals IgA mesangial deposits.
Exhibits recurring hematuria (red or cola-colored urine) 1-2 days following an upper respiratory or gastrointestinal infection. 

Clinical Symptoms and Signs 
High blood pressure, tiredness, and slight protein in the urine may be evident.
Laboratory results: Elevated serum IgA level in 50% of cases, normal serum complement levels, presence of red blood cells in urine.

Treatment include ACE inhibitors for proteinuria and steroids or immunosuppressants for specific instances.
20%-30% of people develop end-stage renal failure during a span of 20-30 years.
Berger disease is the predominant kind of acute glomerulonephritis in the United States and is widespread in Asia.
Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Acute and Chronic Pyelonephritis
Acute renal parenchymal infection is more common in women.
Chronic: Arises from persistent urinary tract blockage and repeated UTIs.
Study of diseases 
Acute renal cortex involvement with neutrophilic infiltration and abscess formation in the interstitium, with potential rupture of abscesses leading to the presence of white blood cells in the tubular lumen, whereas glomeruli are unaffected.

Chronic kidney damage characterized by uneven scarring between the cortex and medulla, with tubules filled with protein-rich casts that give the kidneys a thyroid-like look. This condition progresses to tubular shrinkage and fibrosis in advanced stages.

Clinical presentation of acute pyelonephritis  includes fever, flank pain with costovertebral angle tenderness, increased urination and painful urination, as well as symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Chronic episodes of acute pyelonephritis can cause renal hypertension and end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Laboratory results indicate the presence of white blood cells and/or white blood cell casts in the urine.


Treatment for acute conditions includes antibiotics and intravenous fluids.

Chronic renal transplant is indicated for patients who have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Renal papillary necrosis is a consequence of acute pyelonephritis that occurs in individuals with diabetes or those who use phenacetin chronically. It is identified by ischemic necrosis at the tips of the renal papillae.
Diffuse cortical necrosis is a sudden widespread death of renal cortices, typically caused by a combination of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and end-organ vasospasm in connection with obstetric emergencies or septic shock. The medulla is normally unaffected.
Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Choledocholithiasis and Cholangitis
Choledocholithiasis is the occurrence of a gallstone in the common bile duct.
Cholangitis is inflammation and bacterial infection in the common bile duct caused by blockage, typically due to gallstones. Tumors might potentially be a cause. strictures or prior placement of biliary stents
Cholangitis Pathology: There are inflammatory alterations in the biliary wall with neutrophils present in the intra-luminal area.
Pathophysiology: Gallstones can go into the bile ducts outside the liver. Obstruction can allow bacteria, typically enteric gram-negative rods, to enter the biliary tree through the sphincter of Oddi, leading to infection and inflammation of the biliary tract.

Clinical Symptoms 
Choledocholithiasis might be asymptomatic or manifest with biliary colic (pain in the right upper quadrant after eating) or jaundice.
Cholangitis manifests with Charcot triad, which includes severe colicky epigastric and right upper quadrant pain, nausea (especially after fatty meals), elevated body temperature, and jaundice. In extreme cases, it can progress to Reynolds pentad, which includes Charcot triad symptoms along with septic shock and altered mental status.

Possible complications are biliary cirrhosis, which can occur due to prolonged common bile duct obstruction, and septic shock, namely from cholangitis.
Laboratory results: High ALP and bilirubin levels, leukocytosis in chol patients. ERCP for stone removal, then cholecystectomy; antibiotics and supportive care for cholangitis.
Picture
Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Gallbladder Tumor and Biliary Duct Tumor 
Gallbladder adenocarcinoma (AGB): Linked to gallstones; the most prevalent primary tumor of the gallbladder; typically occurs in women over the age of 60.
Extrahepatic biliary ducts (EBD) and ampulla of Vater carcinoma: Uncommon: linked to Clonorchis sinensis infection and primary sclerosing cholangitis. Typically occurs in older males.
Terms and conditions: Gross examination reveals a growth pattern characterized by widespread thickening of the gallbladder wall. An exophytic pattern is observed, with irregular cauliflower-like masses growing into the lumen. Adenocarcinoma at a microscopic level showing varied levels of differentiation and commonly infiltrating the liver.
EBD: Appearance: tiny gray nodules located in the wall of the bile duct. Microscopic findings include adenocarcinoma with mucin-secreting cells, fibrous stroma, and epithelial proliferation.
AGB: Initial symptoms are gradual and similar to those of gallstones, including stomach pain, jaundice, loss of appetite, and nausea with vomiting.
The patient with EBD displays symptoms such as worsening obstructive jaundice, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and an enlarged gallbladder that can be felt, which is not typical of gallstone disease.
Laboratory results for both types: High liver function tests and prolonged prothrombin time.

Treatment: Cholecystectomy, chemotherapy, radiation for AGB.
Ductal malignancies  (EBD) cannot be removed with surgery and are managed with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, while ampullary cancers are typically surgically removed.
Picture

Bile Duct Tumor

Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis 
Acute pancreatitis is triggered by the activation of pancreatic enzymes leading to self-digestion of organs. It is linked to factors such as alcohol consumption, gallstones, high triglyceride levels, high calcium levels, certain medications (including thiazides and sulfonamides), mumps infection, and autoimmune disorders.
Chronic pancreatitis is a condition characterized by recurrent episodes of pancreatic inflammation, commonly linked to alcoholism and cystic fibrosis.


Pathology 
Acute: Presence of hemorrhagic patches with regions of white fat necrosis. Microscopic findings include interstitial edema and inflammation, parenchymal necrosis with vascular injury, and calcium soap deposition.
Chronic condition characterized by fibrotic bands causing a lobular appearance, together with calcified concretions forming pseudocyst development. Microscopic findings show loss of acini with fibrous replacement, but the islets of Langerhans remain unaffected. mononuclear inflammatory infiltration


Symptoms and Signs 
Acute: Intense pain in the upper abdomen and left upper quadrant that spreads to the back. Nausea, vomiting, and fever may develop with excessive alcohol consumption. Laboratory results: Leukocytosis, increased levels of serum lipase and amylase
Chronic: Repeated episodes of stomach and back discomfort; progression to pancreatic insufficiency resulting in malabsorption and diabetes. Laboratory results typically show normal levels of serum lipase and amylase.

Possible complications consist of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), widespread fat necrosis, tetany, and acute kidney failure.

​Treatment for acute condition includes supportive measures such as dietary restriction, intravenous fluids, Demerol for pain management, and the use of a nasogastric tube.
Treatment for chronic condition  includes enzyme and insulin replacement therapy, as well as pain treatment.
Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Pancreatic Carcinoma 
Risk factors comprise chronic pancreatitis, smoking, alcohol consumption, high-fat diet, chronic gallbladder disease, and diabetes.
Linked to mutation of the K-ras oncogene and the p53 tumor suppressor gene.
More frequently observed in patients over the age of 60 and in those of African descent.

Pathology 
Gross: Can occur in several parts of the pancreas - head (60%), body (15%), tail (5%), or involve the entire organ (20%); characterized by a grayish mass that can impede the ampullary area, causing bile duct blockage and dilation of intrahepatic channels.
Microscopic examination reveals adenocarcinoma with varying levels of differentiation. Tumor cells are observed forming clusters or tubular formations with an invasive growth pattern. Malignant glands may develop from rapidly growing cuboidal epithelial cells with loss of differentiation; accompanied by fibrosis in the surrounding tissue.


Typically asymptomatic until extensive spread to the lungs or bones. Symptoms include upper abdomen pain spreading to the back, weight loss, loss of appetite, migratory thrombophlebitis (Trousseau syndrome), painless obstructive jaundice, and a palpable gallbladder due to common bile duct blockage.
Laboratory results: Elevated levels of direct bilirubin, amylase, ALP, and CEA. elevated CA 19-9 levels.

Treatment involves performing a radical pancreaticoduodenal resection (Whipple surgery) in patients with confined illness, followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy.
The overall 3-year survival rate is less than 4%.
Picture
Published on
Pathology - Minimal Change Disease (Lipoid Nephrosis) 
The cause is unidentified, however it is often linked to a viral upper respiratory infection. It is theorized that circulating T cells may release a cytokine that harms the glomerulus. It has also been connected to Hodgkin's disease and hypersensitivity reactions.
Primarily observed in young boys, but can also manifest in girls, older children, and adults.

Pathology 
Light microscopy reveals normal-appearing glomeruli with visible lipid buildup in renal tubular cells.
Electron microscopy shows the fusion of epithelial foot processes.

Clinical Symptoms 
Nephrotic syndrome presenting with edema, hypertension, and malaise.
Possible complications involve infection by gram-positive bacteria, thrombosis, shock, and protein deficiency.
Prednisone for steroid-resistant patients; cyclophosphamide or cyclosporine. 

ACE inhibitors are used to decrease proteinuria.
The prognosis is very good, particularly in those who respond well to steroids.
Minimal change disease is the classic example of nephrotic syndrome.
Picture
Published on
Pathology - Membranous Nephropathy
An immunological complex illness of unclear origin.
Secondary disease observed in 10% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients, known as type V lupus nephritis, and is occasionally linked to infections (such as hepatitis B and C, syphilis, malaria), medications (such gold salts, penicillamine, NSAIDs), or solid-organ cancer.
The highest incidence occurs in adulthood.

Light microscopy shows diffuse thickening of capillary walls and basement membranes.

Immunofluorescence shows a granular pattern of IgG or C3 deposits, sometimes known as lumpy-bumpy.

Electron microscopy reveals the presence of electron-dense immune complexes deposited in subepithelial areas within the basement membrane of glomerular capillary walls.

The silver methenamine stain shows a spike-and-dome pattern caused by the basement membrane extending between and around the immune deposits. Spikes represent the basement membrane, while domes represent the immune complex deposits.
Clinical presentation of nephrotic syndrome includes edema, proteinuria, anorexia, and commonly azotemia.

Symptoms and signs 
Hematuria is present in 50% of patients.

Complications involve renal vein thrombosis and an increased occurrence of hidden tumors in the lung, stomach, and colon.

Treatment 
Approximately 70% of patients may undergo spontaneous remission. If not, cyclosporine or other immunomodulators can be utilized. ACE inhibitors can help minimize urine protein loss. Severe instances may require a kidney transplant.

The prognosis is favorable, particularly in those who have spontaneous remission or respond well to medicines.
Membranous nephropathy frequently leads to adult nephrotic syndrome.
Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Often of unknown cause, but can also be linked to heroin use, severe obesity, reflux nephropathy, and HIV infection.
Typically manifests in elderly individuals.

Pathology  
Light microscopy shows sclerosis in the capillary tufts of deep juxtaglomerular glomeruli with focal and segmental distribution, along with hyalinosis.
Immunofluorescence detected IgM and C3 in sclerotic lesions.

Electron microscopy showing the fusion of epithelial foot processes.

Symptoms and signs 
Nephrotic syndrome presents with edema and proteinuria, with a more severe manifestation observed in individuals with HIV and IV drug users.
Lab results show that 80% of individuals had microscopic hematuria upon initial examination.

Treatment includes corticosteroids. In cases when individuals do not respond to steroids, immunomodulators like cyclosporine or tacrolimus may be used. ACE inhibitors can also be investigated to minimize urine protein loss.


Patients often develop end-stage renal disease (ESRD) within 5-10 years, however the progression can vary.


Picture
Published on
​Pathology - Diabetic nephropathy
Related to chronic diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes has a 30%-40% risk of developing diabetic nephropathy after 20 years, while type 2 diabetes has a 15%-20% risk. However, due to the higher number of people with type 2 diabetes, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is more common among them.

Men, African Americans, and Native Americans with diabetes are at an increased risk of developing diabetic nephropathy.

Pathology 
Light microscopy shows an increase in mesangial matrix, leading to either diffuse glomerulosclerosis (widespread increase in mesangial matrix) or nodular glomerulosclerosis (Kimmelstiel-Wilson nodules - nodular accumulations of mesangial matrix material).

Electron microscopy reveals a significant rise in glomerular basement membrane thickening.

Clinical Symptoms 
Nephrotic syndrome always coexists with diabetic retinopathy.
Laboratory results indicate microalbuminuria as an early symptom and proteinuria as a late indicator.
Implementing precise management of blood sugar levels; using ACE inhibitors to address hypertension and microalbuminuria in the initial phases to delay advancement.
Commonly leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and necessitates dialysis.
Diabetic nephropathy is the primary cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the United States.
Picture