VENOOCCLUSIVE DISEASE OF THE LIVER AFTER CHEMOTHERAPY FOR RHABDOMYOSARCOMA - CASE-REPORT WITH A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

We describe the case of a 3-year-old girl who developed veno-occlusive disease of the liver while receiving chemotherapy for parameningeal rhabdomyosarcoma. After suffering lethargy and oral mucosal bleeding for one day, the patient exhibited a sudden weight gain and refractoriness to platelet transfusions. Symptoms rapidly worsened with elevation of liver enzymes, bleeding diatheses, and respiratory failure. An ultrasound scan of the liver demonstrated reversed flow in the portal vein. Maximal supportive care, including tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, was required. The patient gradually recovered with no respiratory and minimal neurological sequelae. Veno-occlusive disease of the liver should be considered in children receiving chemotherapy who develop weight gain, a sudden drop in platelet count and derangement of liver enzymes. Aggressive supportive measures should be instituted if necessary, as patients surviving the acute phase can expect to make a full recovery. (C) 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.