Ischemic colitis of the cecum after renal transplantation masquerading as malignant disease

Abstract
Fourteen years after kidney transplantation and following protracted rejection of the transplant, a patient developed abdominal pain, fever, and leukocytosis. Ultrasound demonstrated a pericolic abscess, and barium enema a deformity of the ascending colon suggesting malignant growth. Colonoscopy showed ulcerative and necrotic lesions of the cecum, and colonic carcinoma was suspected. At surgery, a granulomatous inflammatory reaction with fibrosis involving the kidney transplant and cecum was found. Histological examination revealed ulcerations secondary to ischemic colitis, but no malignancy.