Renal allograft compartment syndrome: an underappreciated postoperative complication

Renal allograft compartment syndrome (RACS) is early graft dysfunction secondary to retroperitoneal hypertension and resultant ischemia. Our purpose was to identify the incidence, therapies and outcomes of patients with RACS.

All patients who underwent a renal transplant between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed. Patients with signs of acute allograft dysfunction were identified. RACS was diagnosed via visual allograft hypoperfusion and/or with preoperative Doppler ultrasound.

Among 458 patients, 11 (2%) were diagnosed with RACS. Characteristics between patient groups were similar. Five (45%) patients displayed adequate initial allograft function after transplantation. Doppler ultrasound was diagnostic. Six (55%) patients displayed poor initial allograft function and were classified as early presenters of RACS. Allograft function improved dramatically upon decompression.

Clinicians must remain aware of RACS as a potential diagnosis when patients display rapid deterioration in kidney performance after good initial allograft function. Doppler ultrasound is useful in diagnosing late presenters.