Graft-versus-host disease of the gastrointestinal tract

Forty-two gastrointestinal examinations performed in 24 patients with a history of bone marrow transplantation were analyzed retrospectively. All patients were clinically suspected of a graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) involving the alimentary tract. No specific abnormalities were found in the esophagus or the stomach. Radiographic features of a GVHD of the small bowel are: edema of mucosal folds in ileum and jejunum; effacement of folds towards the ileum; thickening of the bowel wall, and spasms and stenosis with prestenotic dilatation. In the active phase the bowel appears to be shortened. A short transit time was not a specific finding. Follow-up examinations showed partial regression of these findings. Radiological findings in the colon consisted of loss of haustration, thumbprinting, spasms and ulcerations.