Oxalate Nephropathy in a Patient With Chronic Pancreatitis and Recent Surgery: A Clinical Conundrum

Calcium oxalate nephropathy is a rare condition with both primary and secondary causes. Primary hyperoxaluria, an inherited disorder, leads to liver oxalate overproduction, whereas secondary hyperoxaluria, or enteric hyperoxaluria, may be multifactorial and typically occurs during adulthood, with etiologies including increased dietary intake of oxalate, destruction of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract that break down oxalate, and malabsorptive disorders that increase serum oxalate levels. Calcium oxalate crystal deposition can cause irreversible kidney injury necessitating kidney replacement therapy. Prompt recognition of the underlying etiology is necessary to minimize complications. Here, we present a case of calcium oxalate nephropathy of unclear initial etiology. Further consideration is given to alternative therapeutic options that address oxalate deposition-associated interstitial inflammation.