RAPID CATASTROPHIC ONSET OF WEGENERS GRANULOMATOSIS IN A RENAL-TRANSPLANT

A 62-year-old man with chronic renal failure secondary to Wegener's gr anulomatosis received a cadaveric renal graft in December 1990 after 2 years' treatment with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Earl y graft function was good and serum creatinine fell steadily. On day 5 he became anuric and the graft became swollen and tender. Isotope ren ography showed no perfusion and the kidney was removed. Pathological e xamination showed widespread acute arteritis consistent with recurrent Wegener's granulomatosis. Recurrence of Wegener's granulomatosis in r enal grafts is rare. The 4 previously reported cases are reviewed.