Massive uric acid nephrolithiasis with progressive renal failure due to spontaneous tumour lysis syndrome

Abstract

Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS) is a constellation of meta- bolic complications due to the rapid destruction of malignant cells, causing renal, cardiac or cerebral dysfunction. Electrolyte abnormalities include hyperuricaemia, hyperphosphataemia, hyperkalaemia and hypocalcaemia. TLS-induced renal failure is mainly caused by uric acid and calcium phosphate crystal deposition and usually develops following cytotoxic chemotherapy. Here, we present a case of spontaneous TLS in a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) with massive uric acid stone and crystal formation and rapidly worsening renal failure. Autopsy revealed underlying tumourous kidney infiltration. Risk factors for occurrence of TLS and current therapeutic management are discussed. © The Author [2008]. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of ERA-EDTA. All rights reserved.