Association of sirolimus with pericardial effusion in renal transplant patient and discussion of potential mechanism.

Sirolimus is an important immunosuppressive drug in renal transplantation but contains numerous side effects. In this study, we describe a case of renal transplant recipient treated with sirolimus who developed pericardial effusion associated with interstitial pneumonia. An extensive search for alternative causes were all negative, and all symptoms disappeared after sirolimus interruption. Therefore, this case demonstrates that sirolimus can cause pericardial effusion possibly through a proinflammatory mechanism.