Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS)

(Bone Marrow Transplant 2020:55:485)

  • Occlusion hepatic venules & sinusoids (formerly veno-occlusive disease) 2/2 toxic insult

Etiologies:

  • post HSCT (15%),
  • chemo (cyclophosphamide, cytarabine),
  • XRT, bush tea

Clinical manifestations:

  • painful hepatomegaly,
  • RUQ pain,
  • ascites,
  • weight gain,
  • ↑ bilirubin

Dx:

  • U/S w/ reversal of portal flow
  • dx made clinically
    • early weight gain
    • ↓ plt refractory to transfusion
    • ↑ bili, hx of recent toxins
  • if necessary, liver bx or HVPG (>10 mmHg)

Rx:

  • supportive,
  • diuretics;
  • if severe → early defibrotide ↑ survival,
    • but side effects & expensive

Ppx

  • defibrotide
  • ursodeoxycholic acid for high-risk HSCT pop
  • ? low-dose heparin

incidence ~10%, mortality ~30%


  • Previously known as veno-occlusive disease (VOD) (BBMT 2016;22:400).
  • Mechanism: direct cytotoxic injury to hepatic venules → in situ thrombosis.
  • Symptoms: tender hepatomegaly, ascites, jaundice, fluid retention with severe disease → liver failure, encephalopathy, hepatorenal syndrome
  • Diagnosis: ↑ ALT/AST, ↑ bilirubin; ↑ PT with severe disease; Doppler U/S may show reversal of portal vein flow; ↑ hepatic wedge pressure; abnl liver bx
  • Treatment: supportive; prophylaxis with ursodiol; treat w/ defibrotide (Blood 2016;127:1656)