[Veno-occlusive disease after liver transplantation. Association of acute cellular rejection and toxicity of azathioprine]

Gastroenterol Clin Biol. 1993;17(11):863-7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Azathioprine vascular hepatotoxicity has been described mainly after renal transplantation. We report a new case in a patient who developed veno-occlusive disease of the liver 3 weeks after liver transplantation; regression of lesions were observed after discontinuation of azathioprine therapy. In this case, azathioprine hepatotoxicity may have been enhanced by a previous episode of severe, acute rejection prevailing in the hepatic veins. After liver transplantation, the diagnosis of azathioprine hepatotoxicity is difficult but should be suspected in the presence of non-inflammatory small hepatic veins lesions. Early withdrawal of the drug is mandatory for complete recovery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Azathioprine / toxicity*
  • Biopsy
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Graft Rejection / blood
  • Graft Rejection / complications*
  • Graft Rejection / pathology
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / blood
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / chemically induced
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / etiology*
  • Hepatic Veno-Occlusive Disease / pathology
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / surgery
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Postoperative Complications

Substances

  • Azathioprine