Liver Pathology After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Hematology
• Transplantation Medicine

Background:

• Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a vital treatment for hematologic malignancies and autoimmune diseases.
• Patients undergoing HSCT face risks of numerous complications, including significant liver injury.
• Immunosuppressive therapies and conditioning regimens contribute to patient vulnerability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical and pathological findings of common causes of liver injury post-HSCT.
• To provide a diagnostic framework for identifying transplant-related liver damage.
• To enhance understanding of HSCT-associated hepatotoxicity.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical presentations and pathological features of liver injury etiologies.
• Synthesis of diagnostic criteria for key complications.
• Literature-based analysis of established and emerging causes of hepatotoxicity.

Main Results:

• Identified key causes of liver injury including sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), iron overload, and opportunistic infections.
• Detailed the characteristic clinical and histopathological findings for each etiology.
• Highlighted the importance of a systematic diagnostic approach.

Conclusions:

• Liver injury is a frequent and serious complication following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
• Accurate diagnosis relies on recognizing specific clinical and pathological patterns of SOS, GVHD, iron overload, and infections.
• A structured diagnostic framework aids in timely management of transplant-related liver injury.