Morphofunctional approach in the diagnosis of cardiac allograft vasculopathy: a case report

Cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) remains an unsolved problem in modern transplantology. This pathological process leads to the death of 10% of heart recipients within 15 years. Early diagnosis of CAV improves the prognosis of transplanted heart patients. Coronary angiography has limitations in the assessment of intimal hyperplasia in CAV patients whereas intravascular imaging and coronary physiology assessment are essential aids in its early detection. The case of the using morphofunctional approach in CAV diagnosis is presented. To determine the functional significance of stenosis, fractional flow reserve was measured invasively. Optical coherence tomography allowed us to assess morphological substrate and confirm the autoimmune pathogenesis. Morphofunctional approach in this group of patients enables a more precise prediction of the disease's course and adequate treatment.