Changes in the hyaline cartilage of the proximal bronchial tree were investigated in a group
of combined heart-lung and double-lung recipients with and without OB. Ossification,
calcification and fibrovascular ingrowth into the normally avascular hyaline bronchial
cartilage were observed in almost all patients and were independent of small or large airway
inflammation. Alterations in the integrity of hyaline cartilage have been produced by others
in animals by ligation of the blood supply. Finding similar changes in airway cartilage of all …