Neuropathy associated with hyperoxaluria: Improvement after combined renal and liver transplantations

Gloria Galloway, Michael J. Giuliani, Dennis K. Burns, David Lacomis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Little is known about oxaluria-associated neuropathy, and no effective treatments have been described. We report two patients with clinically severe and progressive sensorimotor polyneuropathy associated with oxaluria. Electrodiagnostic testing and sural nerve histopathology revealed evidence of severe axon loss and demyelination. In addition, birefringent crystalline deposits were identified within endoneurial and parineurial blood vessel walls, axon cylinders, and perimysial blood vessel walls. Electron probe microscopy confirmed that calcium (consistent with calcium oxalate) was a major constituent of the crystals. Both patients had substantial improvement in neuropathic signs and symptoms after kidney and liver transplantations despite no prior improvement with hemodialysis. Our results confirm previous reports of a mixed axonal and demyelinating neuropathy with calcium oxalate deposition in association with oxaluria. In addition, our findings suggest that renal and liver transplantation may be potential treatments for the associated neuropathy.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)247-251
Number of pages5
JournalBrain Pathology
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Neurology
  • General Neuroscience
  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine

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