THE NEPHROTOXIC LESION OF ETHYLENE GLYCOL

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Abstract
Two patients who had accidentally ingested ethylene glycol in an antifreeze compound developed the clinical picture of ethylene glycol poisoning including oliguria and uremia. Needle biopsy of the kidney was used in one of these patients, both of whom eventually recovered. A distinctive histologic picture was noted on biopsy consisting of tubular epithelial cell necrosis, with preservation of basement membrane and the deposition of oxalate crystals within tubular lumina. The latter presumably resulted from the partial conversion of ethylene glycol to oxalic acid in the course of its metabolism. Observations were made on the clinical course including the return of renal function and the authors speculate that oxalic acid is the nephrotoxic factor in ethylene glycol poisoning.