Kidney allograft failure due to acute phosphate nephropathy associated with severe secondary hyperparathyroidism

Abstract

Intratubular calcification is a common finding in renal allografts. However, possible harmful effect of this calcification is not well recognized, and allograft failure purely due to this condition has not been reported. We report a kidney transplant recipient who suffered from severe secondary hyperparathyroidism and unexplained early allograft failure. A diagnosis of acute phosphate nephropathy was made subsequently based on serial allograft biopsy findings. This case calls for a high index of suspicion to look for this rare cause of allograft dysfunction among high-risk patients. It also highlights the importance of good calcium–phosphate control before renal transplantation.