Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:05
Mouse Model of Alloimmune-induced Vascular Rejection and Transplant Arteriosclerosis
Published on: May 17, 2015
8.4K
Invasive Coronary Imaging Assessment for Cardiac Allograft Vasculopathy: State-of-the-Art Review
Negeen Shahandeh1, Kuninobu Kashiyama2, Yasuhiro Honda2
1Division of Cardiology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
Summary
Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) is a major threat after heart transplants. This review examines invasive imaging tools like coronary angiography and newer options to detect CAV earlier and improve patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Heart transplantation is a life-saving treatment for end-stage heart failure.
- While survival has improved, cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains a significant cause of death and illness in heart transplant recipients.
- Current screening methods like coronary angiography have limitations in detecting early or widespread CAV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and compare invasive imaging modalities for cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) surveillance in heart transplant recipients.
- To highlight the advantages and limitations of each imaging platform in detecting early CAV.
- To inform the development of more sensitive diagnostic tools for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on invasive imaging techniques for CAV surveillance.
- Analysis of coronary angiography, intravascular ultrasound, optical coherence tomography, and near-infrared spectroscopy.
- Discussion of the data supporting the use of these modalities in the context of CAV.
Main Results:
- Coronary angiography, while standard, has limited sensitivity for early and diffuse CAV.
- Intravascular ultrasound offers more detailed vessel wall information.
- Emerging technologies like optical coherence tomography and near-infrared spectroscopy show promise for enhanced early detection.
Conclusions:
- Improved diagnostic tools are crucial for timely CAV detection and management in heart transplant patients.
- Advanced imaging modalities offer potential advantages over traditional coronary angiography for CAV surveillance.
- Further research is needed to fully establish the role of newer imaging technologies in optimizing heart transplant outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System V: CT
Cardiac computed tomography (CT) scanning is an advanced cardiac imaging technique that utilizes CT technology, with or without intravenous (IV) contrast, to produce accurate cross-sectional virtual slices of specific areas of the heart, coronary circulation, and major blood vessels such as the aorta, pulmonary veins, and arteries. The computer processes these slices to generate three-dimensional images. Multidetector CT (MDCT) is a rapid form of CT scanning that captures multiple slices...
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...