Glomerular injury in malignant nephrosclerosis.

Electron microscopic analysis of subendothelial and mesangial alterations in the glomeruli was performed in 15 cases of malignant nephrosclerosis (MNS). 8 cases showed segmental or diffuse subendothelial accumulation of proteinaceous 'fibrinoid' material associated with thickening of glomerular basement membranes. 2 of these cases also showed similar deposits in the mesangium. When severe, this mesangial insudation resulted in almost complete replacement and destruction of the mesangial matrix. Endothelial injury with alteration of glomerular microcirculation and secondary intravascular coagulation is believed to play a role in the development of the glomerular lesions in MNS.