Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026

Estimation of Urinary Nanocrystals in Humans using Calcium Fluorophore Labeling and Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis
Published on: February 9, 2021
Crystalloid deposits in the kidney
Lisa Suzanne Keller1, Randall James Faull, Peter Smith
1Renal Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, North Terrace, Adelaide 5000, South Australia, Australia.
Abstract:
Light chain-producing lymphoproliferative disorders such as multiple myeloma are frequently complicated by renal impairment. Typically, the renal biopsy of a patient with renal failure caused by multiple myeloma shows cast nephropathy, but occasionally crystals may be seen. We describe the case of a patient with acute renal failure caused by multiple myeloma in which, on renal and bone marrow biopsy, there were widespread crystalloid deposits. Crystalloid nephropathy is a very rare condition associated with multiple myeloma and other light chain-secreting disorders. An underlying lymphoproliferative disorder should be considered in the differential diagnosis if crystalloid deposits are seen on a renal or other tissue biopsy.
Related Concept Videos
Renal Corpuscle
Glomerulus: Structure and Function
The glomerulus is a tiny, intricate network of capillaries located at the beginning of the nephron. It's enveloped by the Bowman's capsule and receives its blood supply from an afferent arteriole, which divides into numerous capillaries...
Nephrons
Kidney Structure
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Urine Studies I: Urinalysis
Urinary Tract Calculi I: Introduction

