Hepatic veno-occlusive disease related to tacrolimus after pancreas transplantation

Abstract

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD) describes the nonthrombotic, fibrous obliteration of the small centrilobular hepatic veins by connective tissue and centrilobular necrosis in zone 3 of the acini. Occlusion of the terminal venules of the liver might result in HVOD with the characteristic clinical findings of painful hepatomegaly, ascites, jaundice, and weight gain for more than 5% of patients. It is mainly observed after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT) and is responsible for significant morbidity and mortality. The incidence of HVOD is much lower after solid organ transplantation than after SCT and seems to differ from one organ to another. It has been sporadically reported after lung, renal, and liver transplantation, but has never been reported after pancreas transplantation. In general, HVOD is presumably attributed to azathioprine or tacrolimus used in solid organ transplantation. Here we describe a case of HVOD occurring after pancreas transplantation, in which tacrolimus might have played a causative role because complete recovery was observed after discontinuation of tacrolimus. Pancreas transplantation physicians should raise the suspicion of HVOD when a recipient presents with hepatomegaly, ascites, or jaundice.