Mycotic Aneurysm Following Renal Transplantation: A Rare Complication Linked To Contaminated Preservation Fluid- A Case Report
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

Murine Renal Transplantation Procedure
Published on: July 10, 2009
Beatriz Gil Braga1, Ana Cunha1, Henrique Almeida2
1Nephrology Department, Unidade Local de Saúde de Santo António, Porto, Portugal.
Abstract:
Mycotic pseudoaneurysms are rare yet potentially fatal complications following kidney transplantation, typically associated with infection and high morbidity. This report describes the case of a 66-year-old man who developed a mycotic pseudoaneurysm 4 months after a second renal transplant. The clinical course was notable for initial contamination of the preservation fluid with carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, followed by delayed onset of symptoms and vascular complications. Despite early antimicrobial treatment and apparent graft stability, the patient later presented with graft dysfunction, low back pain, and systemic signs of infection. Imaging revealed a saccular pseudoaneurysm of the left iliac artery causing compression of the renal vein and ureter. Given the suspicion of a mycotic origin, endovascular exclusion of the pseudoaneurysm was performed using a covered stent, in conjunction with a femoro-femoral bypass. Targeted antibiotic therapy was administered for 6 weeks. Remarkably, graft function improved post-intervention and remained stable at 1-year follow-up. This case underscores the importance of rigorous post-transplant surveillance, especially in patients exposed to infected preservation fluids. It also highlights that, in selected cases, graft-preserving endovascular approaches may be successful alternatives to nephrectomy, even in the presence of infection. A multidisciplinary strategy combining individualized clinical judgment, targeted antimicrobial therapy, and minimally invasive intervention was crucial to the favorable outcome. This case contributes to the limited evidence supporting conservative management of infected pseudoaneurysms and emphasizes the need for ongoing clinical vigilance and tailored therapeutic approaches in immunocompromised transplant recipients.
Insights
Mycotic pseudoaneurysms after kidney transplant are rare but serious. This case shows a successful graft-preserving endovascular repair for a mycotic pseudoaneurysm, highlighting the importance of vigilance in transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Vascular Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Mycotic pseudoaneurysms are infrequent but life-threatening post-kidney transplant complications.
- Infection of preservation fluid, like with carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, can lead to delayed vascular issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of mycotic pseudoaneurysm following a renal transplant.
- To highlight a successful graft-preserving endovascular intervention for this rare complication.
Main Methods:
- A 66-year-old male underwent endovascular exclusion of a left iliac artery pseudoaneurysm with a covered stent and femoro-femoral bypass.
- Administered 6 weeks of targeted antibiotic therapy.
- Employed a multidisciplinary approach involving clinical judgment, antibiotics, and minimally invasive intervention.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with graft dysfunction, pain, and infection signs 4 months post-transplant.
- Imaging revealed a left iliac artery pseudoaneurysm compressing renal structures.
- Post-intervention, renal graft function improved and remained stable at 1-year follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Rigorous post-transplant surveillance is crucial, especially after exposure to infected preservation fluids.
- Graft-preserving endovascular repair can be a viable alternative to nephrectomy for mycotic pseudoaneurysms.
- Tailored, multidisciplinary management is key for favorable outcomes in immunocompromised patients.
Related Concept Videos
Kidney Transplant II: Surgical Procedure
Aneurysm III: Interprofessional Care
Kidney Transplant III: Nursing Management
Acute Kidney Injury IV: Diagnostic Studies and Prevention
Nephrotic Syndrome I : Introduction
Aneurysm I: Introduction

