Given the lack of specificity of clinical and laboratory manifestations of renal disease, the renal biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis for the many disorders that may affect the kidney. Given that renal biopsies are not done unless the suspected conditions are life threatening or life changing, each case is a unique challenge. This challenge is what makes each day in the renal pathology laboratory so interesting.
The renal pathologist gathers information from multiple sources. Light microscopy, immunofluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy are used to evaluate multiple aspects of the renal sample. Other special stains may be required. This detailed pathologic data is then compiled with the clinical information to generate a clinicopathologic diagnosis. Each case is concluded after a discussion with the referring clinician and a final report issued.
Like everything in pathology, when you first begin, it can seem a bit overwhelming. Recall those first few days at the surgical pathology bench, the gross room, the case conferences and on and on. Remember when, while looking at a slide, you couldn’t tell the difference between a lymph node and the spleen? Didn’t all lymphomas look alike? Renal pathology is no different except that most residents have little or no exposure to this subspecialty. But like the rest of pathology, focused effort allows the renal pathology fellow to quickly gain the foundational knowledge required to progress in this discipline.
Alexis A. Harris, M.D.
501-604-2695
alexis.harris@nephropath.com