Deposition of C4d and C3d in cardiac transplants: A factor in the development of coronary artery vasculopathy

This study demonstrates that complement deposition is a frequent occurrence in the first 2 years post-transplantation. Although acute rejection is a known risk factor for CAV, in this study the relationship was found not to be significant. No relationship was found with the development of CAV and histologic features of AMR, when assessed by C4d deposition alone. However, an association between C3d deposition and the development of CAV was determined in this study group, suggesting that complement activation may play a role in the pathogenesis of CAV.