Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the anterior chamber of the eye in a patient with renal hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

Purpose: To report a case of calcium hydroxyapatite crystals in the anterior chamber of a patient with renal hyperparathyroidism.

Methods: Case report.

Results: A 54-year-old man visited our clinic with mild ocular pain and decreased visual acuity in his left eye. A slit-lamp examination showed peripheral corneal band keratopathy and multiple white crystals in the anterior chamber. The patient had chronic renal failure and was on regular hemodialysis treatment for 12 years. He had previously undergone total parathyroidectomy because of secondary renal hyperparathyroidism. Aqueous humor analysis showed elevated phosphate levels. Multiple crystals were removed using a manual irrigation and aspiration cannula and were found to be calcium hydroxyapatite crystals on elemental analysis using energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Ocular pain and visual acuity improved and corneal edema and ocular inflammation decreased after the surgery.

Conclusions: Calcium hydroxyapatite crystals can form in the anterior chamber of the eye in a patient with renal hyperparathyroidism.