Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy (CAV)
General: The most common cause of death among long-term survivors of cardiac transplantation. Occurs only in cardiac transplant recipients and is characterized by a form of accelerated atherosclerosis. Develops to some extent in ~58% of recipients within 1 year, and becomes clinically apparent in up to ~50% within 5 years. Treatment thus far has decreased the rates of rejection, but had no effect on rates of CAV.
Gross:
Microscopic: Concentric intimal proliferation/thickening involving intramyocardial vessels and exhibits few calcifications.
Differential Diagnosis:
Stains:
- Positive:
- Negative:
- Suggested, focused panel:
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Images:
Cases:
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