Extensive intraglomerular fibrin deposition after renal transplantation: recovery without anticoagulation

Acute renal failure developed in a 55-year-old man 6 days after he had received a cadaver renal allograft. This was associated with thrombocytopenia. Extensive intraglomerular fibrin deposition was seen in a renal biopsy specimen. He was treated with corticosteroids, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide and hemodialysis with regional heparinization but not with systemic anticoagulation. This was followed by complete recovery of both renal function and histologic damage despite the fact that he did not receive anticoagulant therapy. This suggests that treatment with anticoagulants may not be necessary for all patients with intraglomerular deposits of fibrin.