label: Diffuse mesangial sclerosis
label_lc: diffuse mesangial sclerosis
description: Thickening and scarring (sclerosis) of the mesangium (a structure in the glomerulus). The sclerosis affects a large portion of the mesangium across multiple glomeruli. Histologic features include an increase in the mesangial matrix, thickened glomerular basement membrane, tubular casts, and interstitial inflammation. Diffuse mesangial sclerosis presents with nephrotic syndrome at birth or within the first year of life. Glomeruli are small and condensed in appearance, with early lesions showing increased loose mesangial collagen that progress to sclerosis with dense collagen without hypercellularity. Podocytes do not show hyperplasia but may be immature and cobblestone-like. Electron microscopy shows extensive foot process effacement without deposits, but increased collagen within mesangial areas.