skip to main content

Tissue PLA2R Membranous — ESENeph MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardGlomerulonephritisTissue PLA2R MembranousESENeph

Biopsy in membranous nephropathy is PLA2R antigen positive, while serum antibody is borderline. How should this result be interpreted?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: CTissue PLA2R supports PLA2R-associated membranous nephropathy despite borderline serum testing

The best answer is “Tissue PLA2R supports PLA2R-associated membranous nephropathy despite borderline serum testing”. Serology varies with disease phase and treatment. Tissue staining, biopsy pattern and clinical secondary-cause assessment are interpreted together. “Tissue PLA2R supports lupus-associated membranous nephritis with negative serum testing” is less appropriate because lupus membranous disease has a different immune and clinical context “Tissue PLA2R supports IgG4-related tubulointerstitial disease with membranous change” is less appropriate because IgG subclass patterns do not equate to systemic IgG4-related disease “Tissue PLA2R supports malignancy-associated membranous nephropathy in this setting” is less appropriate because PLA2R positivity instead supports a primary antigen association while age-appropriate screening remains appropriate “Borderline serum PLA2R excludes membranous nephropathy despite positive tissue staining” is less appropriate because tissue antigen can remain detectable when circulating titres are low

Reference: KDIGO 2021 glomerular diseases guideline with 2024 chapter updates: https://kdigo.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/KDIGO-2021-Glomerular-Diseases-Guideline_English_2024-Chapter-Updates.pdf