Acute renal allograft dysfunction due to cecal volvulus: a case report

PURPOSE: Among kidney transplant recipients with acute kidney injury, the differential diagnosis must be broadened to include conditions such as rejection, immunocompromised host infections, anatomic pathologies, and recurrent or de novo glomerular diseases. In this case report, we describe an unusual cause of acute renal allograft injury due to external compression of the allograft ureter. METHODS: Retrospective review; case report. RESULTS: The patient developed acute kidney injury of the renal allograft due to external compression of the allograft ureter coincident with a cecal volvulus. The patient underwent lysis of adhesions, right hemicolectomy, and end ileostomy creation with resolution of acute kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS: Cecal volvulus is an uncommon cause of bowel obstruction and is often associated with adhesions following abdominal surgery. To our knowledge, cecal volvulus has not previously been reported as a direct contributor to acute kidney injury. This case highlights the need for a systematic approach to the patient with acute kidney injury and the special considerations involved in the diagnosis of renal failure in the kidney transplant population.