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Updated: May 16, 2026
06:10
Utilizing Percutaneous Ventricular Assist Devices in Acute Myocardial Infarction Complicated by Cardiogenic Shock
Published on: June 12, 2021
Sirolimus therapy may cause cardiac tamponade
Dominique Bertrand1, Geoffroy Desbuissons, Nicolas Pallet
1Service de Transplantation Rénale et Soins Intensifs, Hôpital Necker, Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France.
Summary
Sirolimus, an immunosuppressant, can cause serious side effects in kidney transplant patients. This study shows sirolimus may lead to pericardial tamponade and lymphocytic meningitis, highlighting the need for careful monitoring.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Immunology
- Cardiology
Background:
- Sirolimus is an immunosuppressive agent commonly used in renal transplantation.
- Its use is limited by numerous side effects.
- Pericardial tamponade and lymphocytic meningitis are rare but serious potential complications.
Observation:
- Two renal transplant recipients treated with sirolimus developed pericardial tamponade.
- Associated symptoms included interstitial pneumonia, proteinuria, microcytic anemia, and lymphocytic meningitis in one patient.
- Infectious causes were ruled out through extensive testing.
Findings:
- Sirolimus interruption led to the resolution of all reported symptoms.
- This case series suggests a causal link between sirolimus and pericardial tamponade.
- Lymphocytic meningitis is also identified as a potential sirolimus-induced adverse event.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider sirolimus toxicity in patients presenting with these symptoms post-transplantation.
- This finding expands the known spectrum of sirolimus-associated adverse events.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying these rare complications.
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