Abdominal complications after bone marrow transplantation in children: sonographic and CT findings.

Rectal inflammation as first manifestation of graft-vs-host disease: radiologic-pathologic findings

“…The acute form, by definition, occurs within 100 days after transplantation, and the chronic form later [8]. Involvement of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) usually appears after a skin rash and rarely is the presenting or sole manifestation [3,9,10]. Diarrhea, lower GI bleeding, infection, and infarction all may develop and are significant causes of morbidity and mortality [7,11].…”

“…The CT appearance of acute gastrointestinal GVHD has been reported only sporadically [3,4,14]. Focal or diffuse thickening of the small bowel wall and infiltration of the mesenteric fat have been described [3,14].…”

“…Focal or diffuse thickening of the small bowel wall and infiltration of the mesenteric fat have been described [3,14]. In a larger series, an abnormally thin mucosal enhancing layer diffusely involving the small and large bowel was considered specific for GVHD [4].…”

“…The first clinical manifestation of GVHD is usually a skin rash followed by nausea, diarrhea, and abnormal liver function tests. Because patients with GVHD often present with these nonspecific symptoms, imaging of the abdomen is frequently performed to evaluate for abscess or bowel wall compromise, both of which require prompt intervention [3]. The reported CT appearance of acute gastrointestinal GVHD includes focal or diffuse thickening of the bowel wall and infiltration of the mesenteric fat [4].…”

Sonography of Pediatric Urinary Tract Emergencies

“…Chemotherapeutic agents, particularly cyclophosphamide and busulfan, are the drugs most commonly associated with the condition. It has most frequently been reported following bone marrow transplantation, particularly in younger children [19]. It has been reported as early as 1 week and as late as 4 months following transplantation.…”