Localized Renal Graft Aspergillosis in a Child after Kidney Transplantation:Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

Pediatric kidney transplant recipients are at special risk of infection with opportunistic fungi, such as Aspergillus spp., which is uncommon but can be fatal. We report a 16 year male renal transplant recipient, who suffered from acute graft dysfunction five months post transplantation. Imaging of the graft revealed sever back pressure and increased echogenic contents with a distinct pelviureteric ill-defined small mass. Percutaneous nephrostomy was done to relieve the obstruction and microscopic examination and fungal culture of the nephrostomy urine were done which revealed the organism (Aspergillus fumigatus). He developed initial improvement subsequent to relief of obstruction; graft function partially regained and received voriconazole for six months. His radiological finding gradually disappeared and graft function resumed to an acceptable level 4 weeks later. As of September 2016 (6 years later), despite the graft injuries, graft function had been conserved. This case serves to reinforce the concept that high index of suspicion of such infection and repeated examination with specific culture media are mandatory for transplant recipients particularly being potentially treatable and if neglected might be fatal infection.