1. ¹Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
2. ²Division of Cardiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
3. ³Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

Correspondence: Dr LJ Burns, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Mayo Mail Code 480, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. E-mail: burns019@umn.edu

Received 6 December 2007; Accepted 6 December 2007; Published online 28 January 2008.

Abstract

Veno-occlusive disease is among the most serious complications following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While hepatic veno-occlusive disease occurs more commonly, the pulmonary variant remains quite rare and often goes unrecognized antemortem. Endothelial damage may represent the pathophysiologic foundation of these clinical syndromes. Recent advances in the treatment of hepatic veno-occlusive disease may have application to its pulmonary counterpart.