Acute polyradiculoneuropathy with renal failure: mind the anion gap

J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2008 Jul;79(7):842-4. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.2008.144915.

Abstract

We describe a 47-year-old male who presented with acute renal failure and later developed bilateral facial weakness, complete ophthalmoplegia, flaccid tetraparesis and diminished sensation in the extremities. Renal biopsy and urine toxicology were consistent with ethylene glycol intoxication. Sequential neurophysiological examinations revealed sensory nerve axonal loss, proximal motor nerve conduction block and a proximodistal type of axonal degeneration. Seven months after ingestion, the patient improved and was able to walk unaided but with residual bilateral facial weakness and distal sensory loss.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acid-Base Equilibrium / drug effects*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / chemically induced*
  • Acute Kidney Injury / diagnosis
  • Acute Kidney Injury / physiopathology
  • Ethylene Glycol / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / chemically induced*
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / diagnosis
  • Polyradiculoneuropathy / physiopathology
  • Suicide, Attempted

Substances

  • Ethylene Glycol