Sirolimus-Induced Combined Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome and Lymphocytic Pneumonitis in a Renal Transplant Recipient: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Affiliations
Affiliations
- Urology and Nephrology Center, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt; the Hamed Al-Essa Organ Transplant Center, Sabah Area, Kuwait.
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor sirolimus was introduced into clinical transplant practice in 1999. Dose-related myelosuppression and hyper lipidemia are the most common adverse effects. Pulmonary toxicity has been reported since 2004 and can cause interstitial pneumonitis, organizing pneumonia, and alveolar hemorrhage. Moreover, it can occasionally induce posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, as documented in scarce reports. To our knowledge; this is the 1st report of combined posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and lymphocytic pneumonitis to be induced by sirolimus. Here, we present a renal transplant recipient with reversible sirolimus-induced brain lesions who was diagnosed after exclusion of infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal), tumors, sarcoidosis, and autoimmune disorders. Both brain lesions and pneumonitis resolved completely after sirolimus discontinuation with excellent patient and graft outcome. Early and gradual sirolimus withdrawal can reverse posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome and lymphocytic pneumonitis with preservation of stable graft function.
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