Pulmonary veno-occlusive disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a rare model of endothelial dysfunction

Abstract

Veno-occlusive disease is among the most serious complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While hepatic veno-occlusive disease occurs more commonly, the pulmonary variant remains quite rare and often goes unrecognized antemortem. Endothelial damage may represent the pathophysiologic foundation of these clinical syndromes. Recent advances in the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease may have application to its pulmonary counterpart.