Histopathology of Allograft Nephrectomies - A Ten Year Observational Study

Though infrequent, allograft nephrectomies are performed for early and late graft loss. The study aims to analyze the histopathologic characteristics of allograft nephrectomy specimens.

We conducted an observational study of 103 cases of allograft nephrectomies from 21 centers from 2013 to 2023. All the pathology slides, including hematoxylin and eosin-stained sections, masson trichrome, jones methenamine silver, PAS, GMS, AFB, and immunohistochemistry (C4d, SV40) were reviewed. Pathologic findings were analyzed based on the transplant to nephrectomy interval (0-3 months, > 3 months) and type of donor (deceased, live donor).

Of the total 103 cases, 77 were male. The mean age at the time of nephrectomy was 36.4 (range 5-64) years. The allografts were obtained from deceased (57) donors and live related (46) donors. Graft tenderness, oliguria/anuria, and fever were common clinical presentations. The majority (71.8%) of the nephrectomies were performed within the first 3 months of renal transplant. Renal vessel thrombosis (32.03%) was the most common pathologic finding. Infections were more common in the first 3 months after the transplant. Fungal infection had a significant association with deceased donor transplantation (p = 0.029).

Histopathological study of allograft nephrectomy specimens aids understanding of graft loss causes. The study also provides opportunities to prevent complications and implement measures to prolong graft survival in a subsequent transplant.