Successful Transplantation of "Black Kidneys" Due to Myoglobin Nephropathy

Transplant Proc. 2018 Oct;50(8):2436-2438. doi: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2018.02.205. Epub 2018 Mar 19.

Abstract

Four kidneys from 2 young donors suffering from rhabdomyolysis were rejected for transplantation at the time of procurement because of their severely bruised and black gross appearance. A frozen section revealed a focal tubular injury filled with granular pigmented casts which an immunohistochemistry confirmed to be myoglobin. The 4 kidneys were transplanted successfully and all recipients recovered normal renal function with no delay. These cases indicate that kidneys with patchy black gross appearance caused by myoglobin casts secondary to rhabdomyolysis is not a contraindication for transplantation.

MeSH terms

  • Acute Kidney Injury / pathology
  • Adolescent
  • Humans
  • Kidney / chemistry
  • Kidney / pathology*
  • Kidney Transplantation* / adverse effects
  • Male
  • Myoglobin
  • Rhabdomyolysis*
  • Tissue Donors / supply & distribution*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Myoglobin