Renal Pathology

Section Head: Joseph P. Gaut, Md, PhD

The history of renal pathology in the Department of Pathology and Immunology traces back to Drs. John Kissane and Helen Liapis. Drs. Kissane and Liapis were considered leaders in the field with major contributions to our understanding of kidney pathophysiology and pediatric kidney disease. Dr. Kissane was a founding member of the renal pathology club which has evolved into the Renal Pathology Society. Dr. Liapis, a past president of the Renal Pathology Society, continued the tradition of excellence established by Dr. Kissane by ushering renal pathology at Washington University into the modern era including an emphasis on incorporation of molecular techniques into diagnosis. The Department of Pathology and Immunology continues to offer next-generation sequencing services for complex inherited kidney diseases.  

The section of Renal Pathology provides pathology services for the patients of Barnes-Jewish Hospital (BJH), Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital (BJWCH), Christian Hospital, Alton Memorial Hospital, and Memorial Hospitals Belleville and Shiloh. The Renal Pathology service receives native and transplant kidney biopsies, donor kidney biopsies, and resections performed for non-malignant indications. The service also provides in-house consultation on kidney autopsy material and non-neoplastic diseases that might be present in neoplastic nephrectomy specimens. We provide full evaluation of the medical and transplant renal biopsy, within a short time frame, with next day results including electron microscopy, and weekend preliminary results on transplant and urgent cases. The donor biopsy service has a fully digital workflow in place, providing opportunities for research and experience with digital sign out. There is an active consultation service from colleagues across the region. The depth and variety of material received on the renal service serves as a rich resource for research projects and training. Pathologists frequently collaborate with other departments and participate actively in the education of trainees from nephrology, pediatric nephrology, and rheumatology divisions. Team members are also extensively involved in numerous collaborative research initiatives.