cardiac allograft arteriopathy
Progressive narrowing of coronary arteries in transplanted hearts due to chronic rejection and immunological injury.
Full Definition
Cardiac allograft arteriopathy is a form of chronic rejection affecting transplanted hearts, characterized by progressive, diffuse narrowing of coronary arteries. Unlike typical atherosclerosis, this condition involves concentric intimal thickening that affects both epicardial and intramyocardial vessels. The pathogenesis involves both immunological and non-immunological factors, including donor-specific antibodies, cellular rejection episodes, and metabolic factors. This condition is a major cause of late graft failure and mortality in heart transplant recipients.
Usage
Usage note: Preferred term over 'chronic rejection' when specifically referring to coronary vessel involvement.
In Context
- "The autopsy revealed severe cardiac allograft arteriopathy with near-complete luminal occlusion of the left anterior descending artery." — Autopsy report
- "Annual surveillance biopsies showed no evidence of cellular rejection, but coronary angiography demonstrated progressive cardiac allograft arteriopathy." — Transplant follow-up report