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Updated: Aug 14, 2026
Murine Cervical Heart Transplantation Model Using a Modified Cuff Technique
Published on: October 12, 2014
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy: the green lane hospital experience 1987-1998
S R Dixon1, P N Ruygrok, T M Agnew
1Department of Cardiology, Green Lane Hospital, Green Lane West, Auckland. SDixon@ahsl.co.nz
Insights
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is common after heart transplants, affecting 61% by five years. This study found no clear risk factors in recipients, highlighting a need for further research into this serious post-transplant complication.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Immunology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a significant long-term complication following heart transplantation.
- Understanding its prevalence and risk factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with the development of CAV.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of coronary angiograms from heart transplant recipients.
- Angiography performed at one, two, and five years post-transplant.
- Review of patient medical records for potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- CAV prevalence increased significantly over time: 25% at 1 year, 35% at 2 years, and 61% at 5 years.
- Five late deaths were attributed to CAV.
- No significant differences in recipient/donor demographics or clinical factors (rejection, CMV, lipids, diabetes, hypertension) were found between patients with and without CAV.
Conclusions:
- Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is a frequent complication after heart transplantation.
- No definitive risk factors were identified in this study cohort, suggesting further investigation is warranted.
Aims:
To determine the prevalence of cardiac allograft vasculopathy in heart transplant recipients at Green Lane Hospital and to examine potential risk factors for vasculopathy.
Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed the coronary angiograms of all cardiac transplant recipients. Angiography was usually performed one, two and five years after operation. The diagnosis of allograft vasculopathy was made if there was any evidence of coronary artery disease. Patients' medical records were reviewed for potential risk factors.
Results:
Ninety-one patients underwent cardiac transplantation between December 1987 and March 1998. One year survival was 87%. Angiographic evidence of coronary disease was present in 30 patients and in three patients coronary lesions were first identified at post mortem. Vasculopathy was present in 25%, 35% and 61% of patients at one two and five years following transplant. Donor-acquired lesions could not be excluded as few patients had immediate postoperative angiograms for comparison. Five late deaths have been due to vasculopathy. Recipient age, race, donor age and ischaemic time were similar for those with and without vasculopathy. Frequency or severity of acute rejection episodes, cytomegalovirus infection, lipid profiles, diabetes and hypertension were not significantly different in patients with vasculopathy.
Conclusion:
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy is a common finding after heart transplantation. No definite risk factors were identified in this patient group.
