A characteristic electron microscopic feature of minimal change disease:
**Core Concept**
Minimal change disease (MCD) is a type of nephrotic syndrome characterized by the loss of foot processes of podocytes. The **pathogenesis** involves immune-mediated injury to the glomeruli, leading to altered permeability and massive proteinuria.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is related to the characteristic **electron microscopic** finding in MCD, which is the **effacement of foot processes** of podocytes. This change is a hallmark of the disease and is responsible for the disruption of the glomerular filtration barrier.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This choice is incorrect as it does not describe the characteristic feature of MCD.
**Option B:** Similarly, this option does not accurately represent the electron microscopic findings in MCD.
**Option C:** This choice is also incorrect as it is not specific to MCD.
**Option D:** This option might seem plausible but is not the correct description of the characteristic feature of MCD.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that despite the **extensive foot process effacement**, the glomeruli in MCD appear normal under light microscopy, highlighting the importance of electron microscopy in diagnosis.
**Correct Answer:** D. Effacement of foot processes