Granular cast

Source

Clinical and Research Laboratory on Urinary Sediment, U.O. di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy

Description

A finely granular cast (together with isomorphic erythrocytes and an ovoidal deep transitional epithelial cell). In patients with glomerular diseases, it has been demonstrated that the granules contained in the cast are due lysosomes containing ultrafiltered proteins. Granular casts are a marker of renal damage of whatever cause. They are found in about 50% of patients with glomerulonephritis (Fogazzi GB et al. J Nephrol 2005; 18:703-10) and in about 60% of patients with acute interstitial nephritis (Fogazzi GB et al. Am J Kidney Dis 2012; 60: 327-32).

Keywords

CAST