History and admission findings: We report on a 76-year-old man presenting with painless jaundice who developed dialysis-dependent acute kidney injury. Investigations: Biliary tract was examined with endoscopy, in addition kidney biopsy was performed. Diagnosis, treatment and course: A stenosing process could be seen in the biliary tract, leading to stent implantation. However, jaundice did not resolve. Kidney biopsy revealed bile casts indicating cholemic nephropathy. After switch of concomitant medication, hyperbilirubinemia resolved and kidney function was completely restored. Conclusion: Cholestatic liver disease can cause acute kidney injury by formation of bile casts in the tubuli defining cholemic nephropathy. Resolution of cholestasis can restore kidney function.
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