Pathology of coronary narrowing after arterial switch operation: autopsy findings in two patients who died within 3 months of surgical treatment and review of the literature

Pathogenetic assessment of intimal coronary lesions after an ASO should consider the role of endothelium and vascular parietal wall in the unavoidable response to injury caused by arterial reconstruction. Since a rapidly progressive proliferative disease is suspected, to explain coronary narrowing, understanding endothelial biology and improving surgical technique should help to prevent late coronary events.