[Dialysis encephalopathy and aluminum poisoning? Correlated clinical, pathologic-anatomic and spectrometric findings]

A case of severe dialysis encephalopathy is reported, in which the autopsy finding of an extensive spongiform change in areas of the cortex directly corresponded to high aluminium-concentration in these areas, supporting the theory of an aetiological role for aluminium. A therapeutic approach combining low aluminium intake and removal of aluminium by a chelating agent (desferrioxamine) is promising, but more precise guidelines are needed.