One-sided limb lymphedema in a liver transplant recipient receiving Sirolimus
Journal | Volume 70 - 2007 |
Issue | Fasc.4 - Case reports |
Author(s) | M. van Onna, A. Geerts, H. Van Vlierberghe, I. Colle, F. Berrevoet, B. de Hemptinne, R. Troisi |
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(1) Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology ; (2) Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Belgium. |
Sirolimus (SRL) is associated with many side effects including hypercholesterolemia, anaemia, impaired wound healing and abnormal liver function tests. Limb lymphedema has only been reported several times in renal transplant recipients. We present a case of lower limb lymphedema that occurred in a 59-year-old liver transplant recipient after being on a SRL regimen for seven months. Extensive diagnostic investigations could not reveal signs of infection, venous obstruction or malignancy. After discontinua- tion of SRL, the lymphedema gradually resolved during the next three months. The pathologic mechanism behind this phenomenon is unknown, but antiangiogenetic and antiproliferative properties of SRL have been hold responsible. Further studies are necessary to explain this rare side effect. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2007, 70, 357-359). |
© Acta Gastro-Enterologica Belgica. PMID 18330092 |