Resolution of Uremic Pericarditis after Living Donor Kidney Transplantation: A Case Report

Introduction: End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is a relevant metabolic cause for the onset of pericarditis and pericardial effusion. Uremic pericarditis has different therapeutic perspectives such as intensification of dialysis sessions, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroids (Systemic or Intrapericardial) or Pericardiocentesis. In patients with pericardial effusion and severe renal impairment colchicine, is contraindicated. Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for kidney failure and living donor kidney transplantation represents the best option in terms of graft function and longevity. Case Presentation: A 45-years-old Caucasian man with ESRD secondary to IgA glomerulonephritis, starting dialysis treatment in 2011. First kidney transplant in 07/04/2015. Following gradual worsening of kidney function. The echocardiographic checks were accompanied by a gradual increase in pericardial effusion, probably on uremic basis. Patient was admitted and started dialysis sessions and Pericardiocentesis, but the cardiac effusion reappeared. He underwent a living donor renal transplantation with good kidney function and at eight days following an echocardiogram was performed which showed the total disappearance of the effusion. Discussion: Our case appears to be the first report in literature of total and rapid resolution of uremic pericarditis with refractory pericardial effusion after living donor kidney transplantation, suggesting that the occurrence of uremic pericarditis should not delay transplantation when a living donor is available.