Background: The incidence, time of onset, and outcome of transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) in pediatric en bloc (PT) and adult single-kidney (AT) transplants were reviewed.
Methods: Forty-three cases (7 PT and 36 AT) of suspected TRAS were selected out of 367 functioning grafts (35 of them PT). Diagnosis was performed by digital subtraction arteriography. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed when needed.
Results: Seven (20%) PT and 24 (7.1%) AT presented TRAS. Time of onset was 7+/-1 months in PT and 18+/-17 months in AT (P<0.05). PTA was performed in all cases of TRAS in PT and in 19 AT. One PT and 7 AT had re-stenosis. There was no significant difference in renal function after treatment. Control of blood pressure improved in both groups.
Conclusions: Recipients of PT grafts showed a higher incidence and earlier onset of TRAS. Re-stenosis was more frequent in AT.