Cholesterol embolization in renal allografts

Renal cholesterol embolization has been well described for many years. It has only been reported in a small number of renal transplant recipients, however. Two instances of primary renal allograft nonfunction because of cholesterol embolization are reported. The source of the emboli was believed to be the donor's aorta. Cholesterol embolization must be considered in the differential diagnosis of primary renal allograft dysfunction. Additionally, care must be taken during evaluation and procurement procedures to help avoid this complication.