title: [An association of arterial occlusive disease with cyclosporine therapy after kidney transplantation].
abstract: Renal transplantation followed by immunosuppression with cyclosporine (whole-blood levels 200-300 micrograms/l) and methylprednisolone (4 mg daily) was performed in a 54-year-old man with chronic glomerulonephritis. Three years later rapidly progressive arterial obstructive disease (peripheral type) developed. Parenteral treatment with prostaglandins, calcium antagonists and nitrates, as well as a lumbar sympathectomy, was unsuccessful so that, in rapid succession, several amputations on upper and lower limbs became necessary. The disease progression was arrested only when azathioprine replaced cyclosporine. Raynaud's phenomenon, present at the time, also disappeared and analgesics were no longer required. Histological examination revealed severe Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis and thromboembolic occlusion of the affected vessels. The cyclosporine treatment, especially the hypercoagulability induced by it, and the Mönckeberg arteriosclerosis were thought to be significant factors in the pathogenesis of the rapidly progressive arterial disease. It is concluded that, in the presence of progressive arterial obstructive disease occurring under cyclosporine treatment, the replacement by other immunosuppressive agents should be considered.
authors.affiliation: I. Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik, Universität Mainz.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Himmelsbach
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Wandel
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Poralla
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Zyzik
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.forename: H J
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Rumpelt
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.forename: K H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Meyer zum Büschenfelde
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D001132:Arm / Q000098:blood supply*; D001157:Arterial Occlusive Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003524:Cyclosporins / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005921:Glomerulonephritis / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D007866:Leg / Q000098:blood supply*; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D010388:Pelvis / Q000098:blood supply; D011655:Pulmonary Embolism / Q000139:chemically induced; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D003524:Cyclosporins; D008775:Methylprednisolone