Renal Pathology Practice Questions

Q: Which of the following statements about Renal Cell Carcinoma (Hypernephroma) is true?

Is known to be radioresistant. ***Radiosensitive*** - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is known for its **resistance to radiation therapy**, making it one of the less radiosensitive cancers. - Treatments typically involve **surgery** and targeted therapies rather than radiation due to this characteristic. *Histologically are usually Adenocarcinomas* - RCC is predominantly classified as **adenocarcinoma**, arising from epithelial cells in the kidney [1]. - Its histological features include **clear cell**, **papillary**, and **chromophobe** types, which are typical of this cancer [1]. *Originate in the cortex* - RCC originates from the **proximal tubular cells** in the renal cortex, which is consistent with its development and associated symptoms. - This indicates a localized origin rather than an abnormal disease progression. *May present with varicocele* - A left-sided varicocele can occur in RCC due to **compression of the renal vein**, leading to venous reflux [2]. - This is an important clinical correlation often seen in patients with left-sided renal cell carcinoma. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 959-961. [2] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 492-493.

Q: Nephrocalcinosis is seen in all except

Polycystic kidney. ***Polycystic kidney*** - Nephrocalcinosis typically does not occur in **polycystic kidney disease**, which is characterized by cyst formation rather than calcium deposition. - The condition is mainly associated with **enlarged kidneys** and a **genetic predisposition** rather than calcium accumulation in the renal parenchyma. *Renal tubular acidosis* - Renal tubular acidosis can lead to **metabolic acidosis**, which may promote calcium deposition and consequent nephrocalcinosis. - In this condition, impaired renal tubular function causes **uncontrolled calcium excretion** and urine pH abnormalities. *Hyperparathyroidism* - In hyperparathyroidism, **elevated calcium levels** lead to increased nephrocalcinosis as calcium is deposited in the renal tissues [1][2]. - It results in **bone resorption** and may manifest with kidney stones, indicating the renal involvement [2]. *Medullary sponge kidney* - Medullary sponge kidney frequently leads to **calcium deposits** in the renal medulla, resulting in nephrocalcinosis. - This condition is characterized by cystic dilation of collecting tubules, causing **stasis of urine** and calcium accumulation. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 539-540. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Endocrine System, pp. 1105-1106.

Q: Which condition is characterized by the loss of podocyte foot processes?

Minimal change disease. ***Segmental glomerulosclerosis*** - Characterized by **loss of foot processes** (podocytes) seen on electron microscopy [1][2], leading to **nephrotic syndrome** features. - Common in conditions like **focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)** [2][3], associated with various risk factors including **obesity** and **HIV** [1]. *Diabetic nephropathy* - Features **nodular glomerulosclerosis** and **kimmelstiel-wilson nodules**, not specifically loss of foot processes. - Primarily leads to **macroalbuminuria** and later stages cause **end-stage renal disease (ESRD)**. *IgA nephropathy* - Characterized by **IgA deposition** in mesangial areas, leading to **hematuria** and **renal impairment**. - The foot processes remain intact, and it doesn't show the same changes as segmental glomerulosclerosis. *Membranous glomerulitis* - Involves **subepithelial immune complex deposits**, leading to a thickened glomerular membrane without typical foot process loss. - Often presents with **nephrotic syndrome**, but the podocyte foot processes are generally preserved. **References:** [1] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 531-532. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 927-928. [3] Cross SS. Underwood's Pathology: A Clinical Approach. 6th ed. Common Clinical Problems From Diseases Of The Urinary And Male Genital Tracts, pp. 530-531.

Q: Which one of the following statements is false about Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in children?

Boys are affected more frequently. ***Boys are affected more frequently*** - This statement is **false** for xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis (XGP) in children. XGP typically shows a **female predominance** in children, similar to adults. - The disease is more common in girls due to the higher incidence of **urinary tract infections** and **urinary obstruction** in females. *It affects the kidney diffusely more frequently than focally* - This statement is **true**. XGP predominantly presents as a **diffuse disease** affecting the entire kidney in approximately **80-90% of cases**. - **Focal XGP** (10-20% of cases) can occur and may mimic a renal tumor, but diffuse involvement is the classic and more common presentation in both adults and children [1]. *Clinical presentation in children is the same as in adults* - This statement is **true**. Children with XGP often present with similar symptoms to adults, including **fever**, **flank pain**, **recurrent urinary tract infections**, and a **palpable abdominal mass** [1]. - **Failure to thrive** and **anemia** are also common in pediatric cases, reflecting the chronic nature of the infection. *Often affects those younger than 8 years of age* - This statement is **true**. XGP, when it occurs in children, often presents in the **younger age group**, typically before 8 years of age. - This demographic observation highlights the importance of considering XGP in young children with persistent urinary tract symptoms and imaging abnormalities. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 939-940.

Q: Basket weave appearance of glomerular basement membrane on electron microscopy is seen in

Alport syndrome. ***Alport syndrome*** - **Alport syndrome** is characterized by a "basket weave" appearance of the **glomerular basement membrane (GBM)** on electron microscopy due to irregular thickening, thinning, and splitting of the lamina densa. - This structural abnormality results from mutations in genes encoding **Type IV collagen**, particularly **COL4A5**, leading to progressive kidney disease, hearing loss, and ocular abnormalities. *Polyarteritis nodosa* - This is a **necrotizing vasculitis** primarily affecting medium-sized arteries, and its renal involvement typically manifests as a focal or diffuse necrotizing glomerulonephritis, often without specific GBM changes. - The electron microscopic findings would generally show inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrinoid necrosis of vessel walls, not a characteristic GBM pattern. *Giant cell arteritis* - **Giant cell arteritis** is a vasculitis affecting large- and medium-sized arteries, typically in the elderly, and often involves the temporal arteries. - Renal involvement is rare, and the characteristic pathological finding is **granulomatous inflammation** within the arterial wall with giant cells, not GBM changes. *Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis* - This condition is characterized by **subepithelial immune deposits ("humps")** on electron microscopy, not a "basket weave" pattern of the GBM. - The GBM itself may show minor changes but does not exhibit the lamellated and split appearance seen in Alport syndrome.

Q: What is the most common nephropathy associated with malignancy?

Membranous glomerulonephritis. ***Membranous glomerulonephritis*** - **Membranous glomerulonephritis** has the strongest and most frequent association with solid organ malignancies, particularly in older patients. - While other glomerulopathies can be linked to cancer, **membranous nephropathy** is the most common paraneoplastic glomerulopathy in adults. *Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)* - While FSGS can be associated with certain cancers, particularly hematological malignancies and HIV-associated nephropathy, it is **less common** than membranous nephropathy in solid tumors. - The link is often with **HIV-associated nephropathy** or direct tumor effects rather than a paraneoplastic syndrome. *Minimal change disease* - Minimal change disease is predominantly seen in **children** and is less frequently associated with malignancy compared to membranous nephropathy. - When associated with malignancy, it is typically with **lymphoproliferative disorders** like Hodgkin lymphoma. *IgA nephropathy* - **IgA nephropathy** is the most common primary glomerulonephritis worldwide but has a **weak and inconsistent association** with malignancy. - Its presence alongside cancer is often coincidental rather than directly causative.

Q: IgA nephropathy is not associated with which of the following?

Decreased complement level. ***Decreased complement level*** - IgA nephropathy is typically associated with **normal serum complement levels** (C3 and C4), which is an important distinguishing feature. - Unlike post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis or lupus nephritis where complement levels are **low/decreased**, IgA nephropathy does not cause systemic complement consumption. - While complement activation does occur locally in the glomerulus (via lectin and alternative pathways), it does not lead to a decrease in serum complement levels. *Focal mesangial proliferation* - This is a **common histological finding** in IgA nephropathy, reflecting the proliferative response to IgA deposition in the mesangium. - The mesangial cells proliferate in an attempt to clear the immune deposits. *Gross hematuria concurrent with upper respiratory infection* - This is a **classic clinical presentation** of IgA nephropathy, often referred to as **synpharyngitic hematuria**. - The episode of gross hematuria typically occurs **within 1-2 days** of the onset of an upper respiratory tract infection, distinguishing it from post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis where hematuria appears 1-3 weeks later. *Immunofluorescence deposits contain IgA and IgG* - The defining feature of IgA nephropathy on immunofluorescence is the **predominant deposition of IgA**, often accompanied by C3. - While IgA is the primary immunoglobulin, **IgG and IgM can also be present** in variable amounts, but IgA must be the dominant or co-dominant immunoglobulin for the diagnosis.

Q: Irregular scarred kidney with pelvic dilatation is seen with?

Chronic pyelonephritis. ***Chronic pyelonephritis*** - Characterized by irregular scarring of the kidney and often leads to **pelvic dilatation** due to recurrent infections and obstruction [1]. - The damage from inflammation results in **cortical scarring** and can affect kidney function significantly over time [1]. *Renal artery stenosis* - Typically presents with **hypertension** and may lead to ischemic atrophy, but does not cause significant **pelvic dilatation**. - The kidney appears small and often asymmetric, but not typically irregular and scarred. *Tuberculosis of kidney* - Can cause damage to the kidney, but usually leads to **caseating granulomas** and can cause abscesses, not specifically irregular scarring with pelvic dilation. - Often presents with systemic symptoms such as fever and night sweats, along with hematuria. *Polycystic kidney* - Characterized by multiple cysts in both kidneys leading to enlarged kidneys, but does not typically present as **irregularly scarred kidneys**. - Usually associated with **hemodynamic issues** and hypertension but not pelvic dilatation in the sense of scarring or fibrosis. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 937-939.

Q: Characteristic feature of IgA nephropathy?

Serum complement level is normal. ***Serum complement level is normal*** - In **IgA nephropathy**, serum complement levels remain **normal** as this condition is not associated with complement consumption [1]. - This distinguishes it from other glomerulonephritides like **membranoproliferative GN**, where complement levels may be decreased. *Gross hematuria presents after 10 days* - Gross hematuria in IgA nephropathy often occurs **upon infection** or triggers, but not strictly after a set duration like 10 days [1]. - Typically, hematuria is seen with **episodic** flares rather than presenting consistently after a specific time frame. *More common in old age* - IgA nephropathy is actually more common in **young adults**, particularly males, rather than the elderly. - It is not characterized by age but rather often presents in **teenage years to early adulthood**. *It is a type of membranoproliferative GN* - IgA nephropathy is a **separate entity** and is predominantly characterized by the deposition of IgA in the mesangial regions [1], not classified under membranoproliferative GN. - This condition has distinct **pathological features** and immunological characteristics, differentiating it from membranoproliferative forms. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 928-929.

Q: Most common type of renal carcinoma is:

Clear cell type. ***Clear cell type*** - The **clear cell type** is the most common subtype of renal carcinoma, constituting about **70-80%** of cases [3]. - It is typically associated with **von Hippel-Lindau syndrome** and presents with clear or "foamy" cells due to lipid accumulation [3]. *Chromophobe type* - This type comprises about **5-10%** of renal cell carcinomas and usually has a better prognosis [1]. - Characterized by **pale cells with distinct cell borders** and lacks the common features of clear cell carcinoma [1]. *Tubular type* - The tubular variant is less common and does not represent a major subtype of renal cell carcinoma. - It is often confused with other variants but lacks the distinct characteristics of the clear cell type. *Papillary type* - The papillary type accounts for about **10-15%** of renal carcinomas and is characterized by papillary structures [2]. - This type generally has a distinct chromosomal mutation profile compared to the clear cell type [2]. **References:** [1] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, p. 959. [2] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 958-959. [3] Kumar V, Abbas AK, et al.. Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease. 9th ed. The Kidney, pp. 959-961.

Question 1

Which of the following statements about Renal Cell Carcinoma (Hypernephroma) is true?

Accepted Answer

Is known to be radioresistant

Answer

Originate in the cortex

Answer

May present with varicocele

Answer

Histologically are usually Adenocarcinomas

Question 2

Nephrocalcinosis is seen in all except

Accepted Answer

Polycystic kidney

Answer

Hyperparathyroidism

Answer

Medullary sponge kidney

Answer

Renal tubular acidosis

Question 3

Which condition is characterized by the loss of podocyte foot processes?

Accepted Answer

Minimal change disease

Answer

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Answer

Membranous nephropathy

Answer

IgA vasculitis

Question 4

Which one of the following statements is false about Xanthogranulomatous pyelonephritis in children?

Accepted Answer

Boys are affected more frequently

Answer

Clinical presentation in children is the same as in adults

Answer

Often affects those younger than 8 years of age

Answer

It affects the kidney diffusely more frequently than focally

Question 5

Basket weave appearance of glomerular basement membrane on electron microscopy is seen in

Accepted Answer

Alport syndrome

Answer

Polyarteritis nodosa

Answer

Giant cell arteritis

Answer

Acute post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis

Question 6

What is the most common nephropathy associated with malignancy?

Accepted Answer

Membranous glomerulonephritis

Answer

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS)

Answer

Minimal change disease

Answer

IgA nephropathy

Question 7

IgA nephropathy is not associated with which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Decreased complement level

Answer

Focal mesangial proliferation

Answer

Gross hematuria concurrent with upper respiratory infection

Answer

Immunofluorescence deposits contain IgA and IgG

Question 8

Irregular scarred kidney with pelvic dilatation is seen with?

Accepted Answer

Chronic pyelonephritis

Answer

Polycystic kidney

Answer

Renal artery stenosis

Answer

Tuberculosis of kidney

Question 9

Characteristic feature of IgA nephropathy?

Accepted Answer

Serum complement level is normal

Answer

More common in old age

Answer

It is a type of membranoproliferative GN

Answer

Gross hematuria presents after 10 days

Question 10

Most common type of renal carcinoma is:

Accepted Answer

Clear cell type

Answer

Chromophobe type

Answer

Papillary type

Answer

Collecting duct type

Renal Pathology — MCQs

Renal Pathology — MCQs

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