ENDOSCOPIC FINDINGS OF INTESTINAL GRAFT-VERSUS-HOST DISEASE FOLLOWING ALLOGENIC BONE MARROW AND PERIPHERAL BLOOD STEM CELLS TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract

Background: Graft-versus-host disease(GVHD) is one of the most important complications following transplantation. Although these patients show intestinal symptoms, there are a few reports about endoscopic findings of transplantation-related GVHD. Here, we reported the endoscopic findings of GVHD developed after transplantation. Methods: Endoscopic abnormalities in ten patients with hematological disorders are reviewed to detail the spectrum of findings. Colonoscopic exarnillations were done in ten cases complained of diarrhea or melena following allogenic bone marrow alld peripheral blood stem CellS transplantation. Results: The endoscopic appearance of these patients showed exaggerated pit pattern ('tortoiseshell pattern') with edema, mucosal erythema, erosion and aphthoid ulcer of the colon. Conclusions: We consider tortoiseshell pattern is the most important characteristic finding of intestinal GVHD.