Tubulointerstitial and vascular diseases of the kidney represent a diverse group of lesions in which the predominant changes occurring in, but are not limited to, the tubules, interstitium, and blood vessels. Similar morphologic alterations can be caused by different pathogenetic mechanisms and a variety of etiologic agents such as immunologic, metabolic, and infectious disorders along with vasculitides.

This course will use a case based approach utilizing virtual microscopy to illustrate the most commonly encountered lesions (in the native kidney and, where applicable, in the renal allograft) that most often pose diagnostic challenges for the practicing pathologist. The most useful diagnostic morphologic and clinical clues will be highlighted. Use of ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy will be discussed where most applicable. Heavy emphasis will be placed on the integration of the clinical and laboratory observations with the morphologic patterns which are most helpful in reaching an accurate diagnosis. The case based topics to be covered include: 1) Infectious and Noninfectious Tubulointerstitial Nephritides; 2) Nephropathies associated with casts; 3) Acute Tubular Necrosis; 4) Vasculopathies; and 5) the major Vasculitides.

Pre-registrants will receive a link to the USCAP website where images along with the case histories will be available for study prior to the meeting. A comprehensive syllabus will be distributed at the course. Post-meeting, all participants will receive web access to the PowerPoint presentation given at the Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus.

This course is designed for advanced residents, fellows and practicing pathologists with an interest in renal pathology, as well as practicing nephropatholgists. Upon completion of the course, participants should be able to: 1) recognize the characteristic morphological features of the most commonly encountered tubulointerstitial and vascular lesions that often pose diagnostic challenges and 2) correlate the morphological changes with the clinical and laboratory findings in order to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

(LAST SCHEDULED PRESENTATION) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.