Post-transplant recurrent pericarditis with pericardial tamponade is successfully treated with colchicine: A case report.

Chen Gao,Fenghua Peng,Longkai Peng

doi:10.3892/etm.2014.1824

Abstract

Recurrent pericarditis is a rare complication following renal transplantation. Colchicine, an inhibitor of microtubule polymerization, has been recommended for the treatment of recurrent acute pericarditis in non-transplant patients and is commonly used for the treatment of gout in transplant patients. However, the use of colchicine for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in renal transplant patients has rarely been reported. In the present study, a rare case of recurrent pericarditis, manifested as large pericardial effusion and pericardial tamponade within the first year following renal transplantation, was successfully treated with colchicine. Therefore, low-dose colchicine may be a safe and effective option for the treatment of recurrent pericarditis in renal transplant patients.

Highlights

Pericarditis is an uncommon complication following renal transplantation, with a reported incidence of 2.4% in the first two months following renal transplantation [1]
The current study presents a rare case of recurrent pericarditis that manifested as large pericardial effusion and pericardial tamponade within the first year following kidney transplantation
Pericarditis is a common complication in patients with end‐stage renal disease, the incidence rate decreases significantly following renal transplantation [1,3]

Summary

Introduction

Pericarditis is an uncommon complication following renal transplantation, with a reported incidence of 2.4% in the first two months following renal transplantation [1]. At day 48 following transplantation, a two‐month period of empirical antituberculous therapy (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol, pyrazinamide and moxifloxacin) was proposed, which was prolonged to three months. During this time period, the volume of pericardial drainage fluid remained at 200‐600 ml per day. Since no specific causes were identified, including infections or malignancy, and the prolonged (three months) empirical antituberculous therapy failed to ameliorate the symptoms, the patient was diagnosed with idiopathic recurrent pericarditis. At day six following the initiation of colchicine treatment, the volume of the drainage fluid decreased to

Discussion

Alpert MA and Ravenscraft MD

Findings

Maisch B