cardiac allograft biopsy
A diagnostic procedure involving sampling of transplanted heart tissue to monitor for rejection, infection, or other complications.
Full Definition
Cardiac allograft biopsy is the gold standard for surveillance of heart transplant recipients, typically performed via the internal jugular vein using a bioptome to obtain multiple small myocardial samples. The procedure is performed regularly in the first year post-transplant and then at longer intervals. Histological examination assesses for acute cellular rejection, antibody-mediated rejection, infection (particularly CMV), malignancy (PTLD), and chronic changes such as cardiac allograft vasculopathy. Grading follows ISHLT (International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation) criteria. Adequate samples should contain at least 50% myocardium with minimal artifact.
Usage
Usage note: Grading should follow current ISHLT criteria.
In Context
- "The cardiac allograft biopsy showed grade 2R acute cellular rejection with moderate lymphocytic infiltrate." — transplant pathology report
- "Follow-up cardiac allograft biopsy demonstrated resolution of rejection following treatment with pulse steroids." — serial biopsy report