Catatonic episode after kidney transplantation

Abstract

There is a growing body of case reports of catatonic symptoms after organ transplantations. A considerable number of these cases might be attributed to neurotoxicity induced by immunosuppressive medications. However, the etiology of other cases remains unclear. We present the case of a 21-year-old woman who developed catatonia after kidney transplantation from a deceased donor. In this case, nontoxic tacrolimus levels were found, and other causal factors including infections, uremia or transplant rejection were excluded. Electroconvulsive therapy followed by olanzapine proved to be effective treatment.

Keywords: Catatonia; Electroconvulsive therapy; Kidney transplantation; Olanzapine.