The key difference between Restrictive Allograft Syndrome (RAS) and Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS) following lung transplantation lies in their primary affected anatomical compartments: RAS involves diffuse fibrosis affecting multiple areas, while BOS is centered around the airways.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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Restrictive Allograft Syndrome (RAS):
- Nature: Characterized by diffuse fibrotic processes.
- Affected Areas: Involves various anatomical compartments of the transplanted lung, including:
- Airway
- Pleura (membrane surrounding the lungs)
- Septum (walls between alveoli)
- Alveoli (air sacs)
- Vasculature (blood vessels)
- Mechanism: Broad fibrotic changes lead to restriction in lung expansion.
-
Bronchiolitis Obliterans Syndrome (BOS):
- Nature: An airway-centered disease.
- Affected Areas: Primarily affects the small airways (bronchioles).
- Mechanism: Inflammation and scarring obstruct the bronchioles, leading to airflow limitation.
In summary, RAS is a broader fibrotic condition affecting multiple lung compartments, whereas BOS is primarily an obstructive airway disease.
