Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis: from early diagnosis to successful kidney transplantation

Abstract Encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis is an uncommon but serious complication of peritoneal dialysis. In most cases, the symptoms appear after peritoneal dialysis withdrawal, which hampers its diagnosis. We present the case of a 44-years-old Caucasian male who had been on peritoneal dialysis for 6 years and 3 months and was switched to hemodialysis due to ultrafiltration failure. During his last months on peritoneal dialysis, he developed anorexia and asthenia, which were initially attributed to dialysis inadequacy. After hemodialysis induction, the patient developed abdominal pain, increased abdominal volume, obstipation alternating with diarrhea, and weight loss. Computed tomography showed de novo ascites. A diagnosis of early encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis was considered, and treatment was promptly initiated with nutritional support, oral prednisolone, and tamoxifen for one year. The patient progressed with resolution of the symptoms. One month after the end of the treatment, he underwent a successful kidney transplant and remain without any major intercurrences. A high level of clinical suspicion is crucial for the early diagnosis of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis as the disease can be fatal in advanced stages. This case highlights that with early treatment, kidney transplantation can be successfully performed after an episode of encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis.