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[Cholesterol embolism after renal transplantation]
Gudrun Ratzinger1, Peter Fritsch, Bernhard Zelger
1Universitätsklinik für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Innsbruck, Osterreich. gudrun.ratzinger@uibk.ac.at
Summary
Cholesterol embolism is a rare complication following kidney transplantation, potentially affecting the gluteal region. Histopathology confirmed cholesterol crystals in a small artery, diagnosing this unusual post-transplant event.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Pathology
- Transplantation Medicine
Background:
- Renal transplantation is a life-saving procedure for end-stage renal disease.
- Complications can arise, necessitating careful monitoring and diagnosis.
- Cholesterol embolism is a known, albeit infrequent, iatrogenic complication.
Observation:
- A 70-year-old female recipient presented with localized livedo racemosa on the right buttock.
- Symptoms appeared two months post-renal transplantation.
- The gluteal vasculature originates distal to the typical renal allograft anastomosis.
Findings:
- Diagnosis of cholesterol embolism was confirmed via histopathology.
- Microscopic examination revealed cholesterol crystals within a small artery's wall.
- This indicates emboli dislodged during transplantation reached the gluteal circulation.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare presentation of cholesterol embolism after renal transplantation.
- It underscores the importance of considering embolic phenomena in post-transplant patients with unusual skin findings.
- Histopathological confirmation remains crucial for diagnosing cholesterol crystal embolism.