Identification and treatment of cyclosporine-associated allograft thrombosis.

Endothelial injury associated with cyclosporine (CSA) therapy in the absence of rejection has resulted in irreversible intrarenal allograft thrombosis and transplant loss. Indium 111 (111In)-labeled platelet scanning is an effective way to identify those transplants that are at risk for acute loss. Two hundred prospective 111In scans were obtained (100 on allografts with normal function and 100 with transplant dysfunction of all causes). 111In scans in patients with dose-dependent CSA nephrotoxicity (N = 58) and biopsy proved acute rejection (N = 22) were negative. Grossly abnormal scans (three to eight times greater than hepatic uptake) were noted in nine recipients identified as having a hemolytic uremic-like syndrome associated with CSA use. Accelerated allograft functional loss was irreversible in six patients despite stopping CSA, systemic anticoagulation, increased steroids and antilymphocyte globulin, and infusion of fresh-frozen plasma. Three patients with grossly positive 111In scans and clinical and laboratory parameters consistent with this syndrome were treated with cessation of CSA and intra-arterial infusion of streptokinase into the renal allograft followed by systemic heparinization. Normal transplant function was regained and continues at 1, 7, and 8 months after transplant. 111In-labeled platelet scanning can noninvasively identify this syndrome of CSA-associated arteriopathy and allow for early therapy to reverse it. Intrarenal arterial streptokinase therapy is a successful way to treat acute CSA-associated arteriopathy.