A number of Pathologists find the interpretation of biopsies and other surgical specimens from solid organ transplants challenging. The general aim of this course is to provide a practical structured and logical approach to the diagnostic interpretation of different specimens from patients with heart, liver, pancreas or kidney transplants, including the assessment of donor organs, with emphasis on resolution of pathological and clinico-pathological differential diagnoses. It will be richly illustrated with numerous cases, including several available for preview on the USCAP website prior to the meeting.

The specific objectives are to discuss the broad array of lesions encountered in patients receiving heart, liver, pancreas and kidney transplants, so that upon completion of the course, participants should be able to 1) ascertain suitability of a liver or kidney donor biopsy for transplantation; 2) diagnose and grade acute cellular and acute and chronic antibody-mediated rejection using the latest Banff and other classification schemes; 3) evaluate biopsies for the presence of various infections, drug toxicities, recurrence of original disease, and for the development of new diseases; 4) resolve differential diagnostic dilemmas and recognize potential pitfalls; 5) interact and communicate effectively with Transplant Physicians and Surgeons thereby providing the best possible care to patients with solid organ transplants.

This course is for a broad audience, including General and Anatomic Pathologists, practicing or in-training, who want to become familiar with this fascinating and expanding domain, as well as for Pathologists with special interest in Transplant Pathology who wish to augment and update their knowledge.

Several representative cases with virtual slide, electronic still images and clinical histories will be posted on the USCAP website for review by pre-registrants prior to the meeting. A syllabus providing a summary of key diagnostic and differential diagnostic features and grading, the PowerPoint presentation, and a comprehensive reference list will be distributed at the meeting. Course registrants will also receive web access to the PowerPoint presented at the USCAP Annual Meeting along with the text portion of the syllabus after the meeting.

(NEW COURSE) This course may be used for CME credits or SAM credits.