What is a common outcome of chronic rejection in transplanted organs?

Chronic rejection in transplanted organs is characterized by a gradual and progressive loss of graft function over time. This type of rejection typically occurs months to years after the transplantation process, and is often a result of ongoing immune responses against the transplanted tissue. The immune system can slowly damage the blood vessels and cells within the graft, leading to fibrosis and scarring. As a consequence, the organ's ability to function properly diminishes progressively, which may eventually lead to organ failure if not managed effectively.

This understanding of chronic rejection highlights the complexity of the immune response and the challenges faced in long-term transplant outcomes. It contrasts sharply with other scenarios such as complete restoration of function, which is rarely realistic in the face of chronic rejection, or immediate graft failure, which typically relates to acute rejection or surgical complications. The option of no observable changes does not align with what is known about chronic rejection, as it inherently involves a detectable decline in the function of the transplanted organ.