Renal artery occlusion in transplant recipients

Five cases of renal artery occlusion occurring in kidney transplant recipients are reported--an incidence of 1.4%. Two patients recovered moderate renal function after thrombectomy in spite of the estimated occlusion time of four hours and 12 hours, respectively, under normothermic conditions. Three cases of occlusion were associated with pre-existing renal artery stenosis. This experience reinforced the optimistic and aggressive approach to treatment of renal artery thrombosis. Renal artery occlusion may simulate acute rejection in the transplant recipient.