Graft Versus Host Disease

Abstract

Graft Versus Host Disease (GVHD) is a rare complication of liver transplantation with a mortality rate exceeding 65%. A 53-year-old male presented with a diffuse maculopapular rash, diarrhea, lymphopenia, fever, and confusion 14 days after orthotopic liver transplantation for hepatitis B cirrhosis. Skin biopsy and HLA- typing of peripheral blood confirmed a diagnosis of solid organ transplant related GVHD. This report summarizes what is known about this disease and emphasizes the importance of early diagnosis, which is one of the only factors known to improve the mortality of this deadly condition.