oxalosis

Oxalosis is supersaturation of calcium oxalate in the urine (hyperoxaluria), which in turn results in nephrolithiasis and cortical nephrocalcinosis.

This article focus on the secondary oxalosis, please refer to primary oxalosis for a specific discussion on this entity.

Pathology

Calcium oxalate deposition most commonly affects the bone, bone marrow, blood vessels, central nervous system, peripheral nerves, retina, skin, and thyroid. There are two forms of this condition:

  • primary: an autosomal recessive disease that is expressed in childhood
  • secondary: usually related to an overingestion of oxalic acids or its precursors (e.g. vitamin C) in patients with kidney or hepatic chronic diseases, especially during long-term dialysis

Foods that are high in oxalic acids include rhubarb, spinach, celery and cocoa .

Radiographic features

The typical radiographic finding is cortical nephrocalcinosis.

Treatment and prognosis

When left untreated, hyperoxaluria will ultimately lead to renal failure, which in turn results in oxalosis: a condition in which calcium oxalate crystals are deposited in extrarenal organs.

Renal transplant is the only treatment for patients with renal failure and systemic oxalosis as dialysis is not sufficient to prevent disease progression.

See also

Siehe auch:
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