Quilty effect
Pronunciation: QUIL-tee
Endocardial lymphoid infiltrates in cardiac allografts that may mimic rejection but represent a benign finding related to immunosuppression.
Full Definition
The Quilty effect, named after the first patient in whom it was described, refers to characteristic endocardial lymphoid aggregates found in cardiac transplant recipients. These lesions consist of dense lymphocytic infiltrates, often with a nodular pattern, located beneath the endocardium. While they may extend into the superficial myocardium (Quilty B lesions), they do not represent true rejection and are thought to result from the immunosuppressive regimen, particularly cyclosporine. The key diagnostic feature is their endocardial location and nodular architecture, distinguishing them from the interstitial pattern seen in acute cellular rejection. Recognition is important to avoid misdiagnosis as rejection.
Usage
Usage note: Named after patient; important differential diagnosis from rejection.
In Context
- "The biopsy showed prominent Quilty effect with endocardial lymphoid aggregates but no evidence of acute cellular rejection." — transplant pathology report
- "Care was taken to distinguish the Quilty effect from true myocardial rejection in this cardiac allograft biopsy." — pathology consultation report