Calcium oxalate crystals retinopathy following domino liver transplant: A case report

Introduction: Hyperoxaluria is a rare cause of hereditary crystalline retinopathy. We report the first case of acquired calcium oxalate crystalsretinopathy following domino liver transplantation (DLT).

Clinical case: A 72-year-old patient was referred for bilateral visual impairment 9 months after DLT. Slit lamp examination was unremarkable. Fundus examination revealed calcium oxalate crystals accumulation within both retina. Owing to multi-organ failure, the patient underwent combined liver-kidney retransplantation. During the following two years, calcium oxalate crystals accumulation within the retina gradually decreased and visual acuity improved. Nevertheless, OCT-angiography revealed abnormalities in the inner and outer retinal vascular plexus (i.e. retinal vessels occlusion and dilatation). Visual field examination revealed bilateral constriction associated with decreased optic nerve fibre layer thickness suggesting optic nerve atrophy.

Conclusion: This case highlights the need for ophthalmologists to consider the diagnosis of acquired hyperoxaluria in patients with progressive bilateral visual impairment following DLT, especially if the postoperative course is marked by renal failure. Moreover, even after liver-kidney transplantation with a conventional graft, visual function can remain impaired owing to maculopathy and optic atrophy.

Keywords: Arterial occlusive disease; CME; retinal degenerations associated with systemic disease; retinal pathology/research; retinal telangietasias/macroaneurysms.