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Glomerulonephritis: Difference between revisions

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(Created page with "'''Glomerulonephritis''' refers to a disease affecting the glomeruli, even though inflammation itself (-itis) is not necessarily present. Glomerulonephritis is rare, and it can cause severe symptoms and chronic kidney disease. Glomerulonephritis causes acute glomerulonephritis syndrome, sometimes called just '''nephritic syndrome'''''.'' According to the definition of glomerulonephritis syndrome, the following clinical features are present: * Glomerular haematuria...")
 
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'''Glomerulonephritis''' refers to a disease affecting the glomeruli, even though inflammation itself (-itis) is not necessarily present. Glomerulonephritis is rare, and it can cause severe symptoms and [[chronic kidney disease]].
<section begin="radiology" />'''Glomerulonephritis''' refers to a disease affecting the glomeruli, even though inflammation itself (-itis) is not necessarily present. Glomerulonephritis is rare, and it can cause severe symptoms and [[chronic kidney disease]].<section end="radiology" />


Glomerulonephritis causes acute glomerulonephritis syndrome, sometimes called just '''nephritic syndrome'''''.'' According to the definition of glomerulonephritis syndrome, the following clinical features are present:
Glomerulonephritis causes acute glomerulonephritis syndrome, sometimes called just '''nephritic syndrome'''''.'' According to the definition of glomerulonephritis syndrome, the following clinical features are present:
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In cases of secondary GN, the patient will have experience symptoms and signs of the underlying condition.
In cases of secondary GN, the patient will have experience symptoms and signs of the underlying condition.
 
<section begin="radiology" />
== Diagnosis and evaluation ==
== Diagnosis and evaluation ==
Glomerular haematuria refers to the presence of so-called glomerular RBCs in the urine. These are dysmorphic RBCs with an abnormal morphology, where “blebs” form on the surface of the RBCs, giving them a “Mickey Mouse”-outline. RBC casts are sometimes present. In contrast, non-glomerular haematuria consists of RBCs with normal morphology and no RBC casts.
<section end="radiology" />Glomerular haematuria refers to the presence of so-called glomerular RBCs in the urine. These are dysmorphic RBCs with an abnormal morphology, where “blebs” form on the surface of the RBCs, giving them a “Mickey Mouse”-outline. RBC casts are sometimes present. In contrast, non-glomerular haematuria consists of RBCs with normal morphology and no RBC casts.


It’s important to determine the cause of acute GN. In most cases however, kidney biopsy is not required for the diagnosis. With a typical clinical picture and the lab tests described below the diagnosis can usually be made clinically.
It’s important to determine the cause of acute GN. In most cases however, kidney biopsy is not required for the diagnosis. With a typical clinical picture and the lab tests described below the diagnosis can usually be made clinically.
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Antistreptococcal antibodies (ASO titre) can be used for diagnosis of PSGN.
Antistreptococcal antibodies (ASO titre) can be used for diagnosis of PSGN.
 
<section begin="radiology" />
On [[ultrasonography]], the kidney is enlarged and has hyperechoic parenchyme.
<section end="radiology" />
[[Kidney biopsy]] is indicated in cases where glomerulonephritis is suspected but the underlying cause cannot be determined with other examinations. Primary GN required kidney biopsy for diagnosis.
[[Kidney biopsy]] is indicated in cases where glomerulonephritis is suspected but the underlying cause cannot be determined with other examinations. Primary GN required kidney biopsy for diagnosis.