The diagnosis of Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome/Veno-Occlusive Disease Using Ultrasonography

Abstract

 Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome/veno-occlusive disease (SOS/VOD) is a well-known liver complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. To diagnose SOS/VOD, it is often difficult to perform percutaneous liver biopsy because of the bleeding tendency. Therefore, several clinical diagnostic criteria (Seattle, Baltimore, and EBMT) have been proposed. Defibrotide, as the only approved agent, should be administered early (within two days of SOS/VOD diagnosis). It is important to make the early diagnosis of SOS/VOD. Recently, the refined EBMT 2023 criteria were introduced, and HokUS-10 has attracted worldwide attention as an ultrasound diagnostic tool.

 Clinically, it is crucial to “suspect and diagnose SOS/VOD early and start defibrotide treatment early” and collaborate with medical staffs, including sonographers to save patients with SOS/VOD.