Destructive spondyloarthropathy in dialysis patients: an overview

Destructive spondyloarthropathy has been increasingly recognized in dialysis patients. We have reviewed 39 observations published in the literature and added 11 personal cases in order to define the clinical and radiological presentation of the disease. The many hypotheses that have been proposed for its pathogenesis are discussed, including secondary hyperparathyroidism, microcrystal deposition, beta 2-microglobulin-associated amyloidosis and aluminum intoxication.