Journal of Carcinogenesis & Mutagenesis

Abstract

Sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease in adult patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a review of diagnostic accuracy of liver stiffness measurement by elastography

Kazumi Fujioka*

The recent European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (EBMT) criteria for diagnosis of Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome/Veno-Occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) provided a new classification of “probable” SOS/VOD to improve early diagnosis and ensure prompt therapy with defibrotide. Transient Elastography (TE) and Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) have emerged for early and accurate diagnosis of SOS/VOD after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). In this review, the author outlined the current knowledge and trends of SOS/VOD in adult patients after HSCT for diagnostic accuracy of Liver Stiffness Measurement (LSM) by elastography. The MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE data-bases were systematically accessed for studies using elastography in adult patients after HSCT. In addition, the new biomarker studies for endothelial damage such as VOD check and Circulating Endothelial Cell (CEC) have been also described. Based on the evidence, the increased LSM in the acute phase of SOS/VOD probably may be attributable to the changes caused by inflammation rather than fibrosis. SWE and TE may be potential tools for early accurate diagnosis, disease severity, and follow-up for SOS/VOD. The estimation of endothelial damage using biomarker examination might be a potential procedure for early detection and treatment of SOS/VOD after HSCT.

Published Date: 2025-01-26; Received Date: 2025-12-27