CASE REPORT ON CHRONIC CYCLOSPORINE TOXICITY IN A CARDIAC TRANSPLANT RECIPIENT

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) have revolutionized transplantation of non renal organs including heart, liver, lung, and pancreas. We report cyclosporine-induced renal failure in a 61year old man who underwent deceased donor orthotopic heart transplantation in April 2010. He was started on triple immuno-suppression including cyclosporine, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and steroids. Fourteen months later he had developed renal failure which was proved to be due to chronic cyclosporine nephrotoxicity. We discuss the pathophysiological mechanisms of cyclosporine toxicity in cardiac transplant recipients and measures to reduce the toxicity.