Association of sirolimus with pericardial effusion in renal transplant patient and discussion of potential mechanism

BMJ Case Rep. 2019 Jul 15;12(7):e230269. doi: 10.1136/bcr-2019-230269.

Abstract

Sirolimus is an important immunosuppressive drug in renal transplantation but contains numerous side effects. In this study, we describe a case of renal transplant recipient treated with sirolimus who developed pericardial effusion associated with interstitial pneumonia. An extensive search for alternative causes were all negative, and all symptoms disappeared after sirolimus interruption. Therefore, this case demonstrates that sirolimus can cause pericardial effusion possibly through a proinflammatory mechanism.

Keywords: cardiovascular system; immunological products and vaccines; pericardial disease; renal system.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Substitution
  • Female
  • Glomerulonephritis / surgery
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Kidney Transplantation*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / chemically induced*
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnostic imaging
  • Postoperative Complications / chemically induced
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Sirolimus / adverse effects*
  • Transplant Recipients
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Sirolimus