According to WHO, membranous glomerulonephritis seen in SLE, is ?
**Core Concept**
Membranous glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease characterized by the thickening of the glomerular basement membrane due to the deposition of immune complexes. This condition can be associated with various systemic diseases, including Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In SLE, membranous glomerulonephritis is caused by the deposition of immune complexes, which are formed by the interaction of autoantibodies with antigens. These immune complexes accumulate in the glomerular basement membrane, leading to its thickening and damage to the glomerular filtration barrier. The immune complexes activate the complement system, which further exacerbates the damage to the glomeruli.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because membranous glomerulonephritis is not typically associated with post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, which is characterized by a different pathophysiological mechanism involving the deposition of immune complexes in a different pattern.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because membranous glomerulonephritis is not typically associated with diabetic nephropathy, which is characterized by the accumulation of mesangial matrix material and thickening of the glomerular basement membrane due to hyperglycemia.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because membranous glomerulonephritis is not typically associated with minimal change disease, which is characterized by a different pathophysiological mechanism involving the loss of foot processes of podocytes.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to note that membranous glomerulonephritis can also be seen in other systemic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and in conditions associated with excessive exposure to certain medications, such as penicillamine.
**Correct Answer: B. Diabetic nephropathy.**