Assoziation einer arteriellen Verschlußkrankheit mit Ciclosporin-Therapie nach Nierentransplantation

Renal transplantation followed by immunosuppression with cyclosporine (whole-blood levels 200-300 micrograms/l) and methylprednisolone (4 mg daily) was performed in a 54-year-old man with chronic glomerulonephritis. Three years later rapidly progressive arterial obstructive disease (peripheral type) developed. Parenteral treatment with prostaglandins, calcium antagonists and nitrates, as well as a lumbar sympathectomy, was unsuccessful so that, in rapid succession, several amputations on upper and lower limbs became necessary. The disease progression was arrested only when azathioprine replaced cyclosporine. Raynaud's phenomenon, present at the time, also disappeared and analgesics were no …