End-Organ Damage Mechanisms · USMLE Step 1

Which mechanism contributes to kidney damage in hypertension before overt renal failure develops?

  1. Formation of a large renal artery aneurysm
  2. Glomerular hyperfiltration progressing to glomerulosclerosis
  3. Autoimmune antibody deposition within glomeruli
  4. Acute bacterial infection of the nephrons
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Correct answer: Glomerular hyperfiltration progressing to glomerulosclerosis

Prolonged hypertension damages renal microvasculature, increases glomerular pressure and causes hyperfiltration, eventually leading to glomerulosclerosis and chronic kidney injury.

Difficulty: Medium Question 10 of 20

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