The role of electron microscopy in kidney lesions: A review of its diagnostic importance

Abstract

Electron microscopy is a technology which was at one time widely used for renal as well as non-renal benign and malignant diseases, but its use has been rapidly declining as hospitals all over the world cut down on expenses. This leaves the renal pathologist with only light microscopy and immunofl uorescence at his disposal to diagnose diseases. Few studies have stated the importance of electron microscopy in routine renal biopsy reporting. We look at different cases where electron microscopy has been helpful in diagnosis and review the literature to assess the role this investigative modality still has to play in modern renal pathology. Journal of Pathology of Nepal (2013) Vol. 3, No.1, Issue 5, 411-415 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v3i5.7871

Reporting and Interpreting Renal Biopsies – A Review Article

“…Electron microscopy examines glomeruli ultrastructurally and aids to concentrate on deposits, very small deposits, fibrils and changes in cellular and basement membrane structure [4].…”

“…Immunofluorescence is an irreplaceable technique which is used for accurate diagnosis in renal pathology, especially in diseases like IgA nephropathy (IgAN), C1q nephropathy (C1qN) and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), which cannot be diagnosed without IF [3]. EM on the other hand must be done on all renal biopsies, but unfortunately, they are available only in tertiary or referral centres [4].…”

Implementación de un entorno virtual en el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje-investigación de la asignatura “Histotecnología III”

“…Por otra parte, la microscopia electrónica de transmisión es una técnica que utiliza un haz de electrones para obtener una imagen con mayor amplificación, el haz de electrones atraviesa la muestra (corte histológico ultrafino) permitiendo estudiar las características ultraestructurales de los tejidos con fines de diagnóstico o investigación (Chen, et al, 2012). Asimismo se pueden realizar técnicas de inmunomarcaje a nivel ultraestructural, con el objeto de ayudar al diagnóstico preciso de diversas patológicas cuando no se puede lograr mediante el uso del microscopio óptico (Pant & Solez, 2013). Por último, la patología molecular hace uso de diversas técnicas para el diagnóstico, estudio de los mecanismos moleculares y predisposición al cáncer (Birner et al, 2016).…”