title: The continued vital role of electron microscopy in the diagnosis of renal disease/dysfunction.
abstract: Ultrastructural examination remains a crucial diagnostic tool for analysis of renal biopsies, along with light and immunofluorescence microscopy. Several advantages of electron microscopy are the ability to detect most forms of glomerular disease/dysfunction; the ability to examine small, suboptimal, or unusual specimens; and superior resolution that allows the investigator to hunt without preconceived ideas of what he/she is looking for or will find. A few shortcomings must be noted for completeness, including inability to detect disorders without specific ultrastructural signature, biochemical heterogeneity of deposits with similar or identical ultrastructural appearances, and occasional false-negative results in diseases with focal manifestations.
authors: Duke University and Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, Durham, North Carolina, USA.
authors: Elizabeth N
authors: EN
authors: Pavlisko
authors: David N
authors: DN
authors: Howell
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007674:Kidney Diseases / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests