Autopsy findings in 68 fatal renal transplant recipients, collected from the annuals of pathological autopsy cases in Japan.

This report describes autopsy findings in 68 fatal renal transplant recipients, collected from the Annuals of Pathological Autopsy Cases in Japan, 1981-1985, published by the Japanese Pathological Society. Direct causes of death in renal transplant recipients were mainly infections, bleeding, rejection, and liver dysfunction. Infectious complications were present in forty-one autopsy patients (60.3%). Bronchitis and pneumonia were the most frequent, followed by general infections and peritonitis. Fungal infections were present in twelve cases (17.6%). Bleeding was present in thirty-three autopsy patients (48.5%). Gastrointestinal bleeding was the most frequent, followed by general bleeding, and brain and/or subarachinoid bleeding. Liver diseases were present in twenty-eight autopsy patients (41.2%).