Pulmonary complications after renal transplantation.

This study presents an analysis of the nature and incidence of pulmonary complications in the first 110 patients to undergo renal transplantation in Nijmegen. The complications are divided into primary and secondary complications. An unmistakable relation to immunosuppressive medication was established in both groups. The radiological manifestations of the pulmonary lesions were atypical due to the use of large doses of immunosuppressive drugs. Pulmonary complications account for 45.1% of the total mortality after renal transplantation. Differential diagnosis from pulmonary oedema associated with rejection is exceedingly difficult, but of paramount importance.