cardiac allograft rejection
Immune-mediated injury to transplanted heart tissue, classified as acute cellular, antibody-mediated, or chronic rejection.
Full Definition
Cardiac allograft rejection represents the immune system's response against transplanted heart tissue, classified into acute cellular rejection (ACR), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR), and chronic allograft vasculopathy. ACR is characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the myocardium, graded according to ISHLT criteria from 0R to 3R. AMR involves complement activation and antibody deposition, often associated with donor-specific antibodies. Chronic rejection manifests as accelerated coronary artery disease with diffuse intimal thickening. Early detection through endomyocardial biopsy is crucial for treatment adjustment and graft preservation.
Usage
Usage note: Follow ISHLT grading system; distinguish between cellular and antibody-mediated types.
In Context
- "The endomyocardial biopsy showed grade 2R acute cellular rejection with moderate lymphocytic infiltrate." — Transplant pathology report
- "C4d staining was positive, confirming antibody-mediated cardiac allograft rejection." — Immunohistochemistry report