Peritoneal dialysis in acute renal failure due to cholesterol embolization: two cases of recovery of renal function and extended survival.

Recovery of renal function and extended survival after acute renal failure due to cholesterol embolization are possible, as demonstrated by the case history of two patients. Both were treated with peritoneal dialysis during their acute insult and had a serum creatinine of 1.7 mg/100 ml and 2.4 mg/100 ml, respectively, 12 and 60 months after diagnosis. Peritoneal dialysis is the preferred procedure for the replacement of renal function in these patients since it achieves good control of blood pressure and volume overload and avoids the need for vascular access and heparin administration.