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Case Reports
. 2016 Jun;32(Suppl 1):189-91.
doi: 10.1007/s12288-014-0477-y. Epub 2014 Dec 4.

Ascites as a Manifestation of GVHD: a Rare Phenomenon

Bhausaheb Bagal  1 , Mukta Ramadwar  2 , Navin Khattry  1
Affiliations
Case Reports

Ascites as a Manifestation of GVHD: a Rare Phenomenon

Bhausaheb Bagal et al. Indian J Hematol Blood Transfus. 2016 Jun.

Abstract

Graft versus host disease (GVHD) usually have involvement of classical target organs. Manifestations of Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) are much more protean than acute GVHD. NIH consensus criterion for cGVHD proposes different diagnostic and distinctive features of cGVHD. It acknowledges certain uncommon manifestations that can be attributed to cGVHD only when they are associated with more specific features. Patients rarely may develop such manifestations which are not diagnostic of cGVHD themselves. In the absence of more specific features of cGVHD, they may pose diagnostic challenge. Amongst the rare reported manifestations of cGVHD is serositis manifesting as pleural effusion, pericardial effusion or ascites. We report two patients developing ascites as an isolated manifestation of cGVHD.

Keywords: Allogeneic Transplantation; Ascites; Graft versus Host Disease; Serositis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Biopsy shows a fragment of small intestinal mucosa with marked dilatation of lymphatic channels within the lamina propria. One of the glands also shows partial destruction in the form of single cell apoptosis; one of the features of GVHD. (Haematoxylin and eosin staining, 40× magnification)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Fragment of small intestinal mucosa showing partial atrophy of villi, probably attributable to chronic GVHD. Dilated lymphatics are seen within the lamina propria. (Haematoxylin and eosin staining, 40× magnification)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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