Avascular necrosis of humeral head following renal transplant

Report of a patient who had undergone two renal transplants and who developed avascular necrosis of the humeral head after a prolonged period of steroidal treatment prescribed as part of an immunosuppressive regimen. The pathologic features of steroid-induced avascular necrosis are described. The authors believe avascular necrosis in renal transplant patients on steroids is more common than thought to be and that these patients should undergo a bone scan periodically for the early diagnosis of the problem. Therapy is discussed.