Analysis of renal allograft frozen-sections

Frozen-section analysis of renal allograft biopsy specimens is performed to permit modification of therapy during acute events in transplanted patients. Over a two-year period, out of 110 renal allograft biopsies 66 were analyzed on a frozen-section. The authors compared diagnoses obtained on a fresh-material frozen-section with those following profound specimen analysis. The accurate diagnosis was achieved in 61 (92.4%) cases, acute rejection being predominant (53 cases). Missdiagnoses referred to oxalosis (1 case), acute rejection (2 cases), acute pyelonephritis (1 case) and cortical infarction (1 case). The authors conclude that a frozen-section analysis is a useful tool in cases requiring fast decision.