A 42-year-old man with type I diabetes mellitus and hypertension comes to the physician because of a 2-week history of fatigue and puffiness of his hands and face. He had a sore throat two weeks ago that resolved yesterday. BMI is 38. Physical examination shows periorbital and pedal edema. Urine studies show 2+ protein and no blood. A renal biopsy is shown.
Which of the following is the most likely mechanism for this patient’s edema?
C3 and IgG deposition
Hyaline deposition
IgA deposition
Thickening of the basement membrane
Thinning and splitting of the basement membrane
