Hepatic veno-occlusive disease related to Gynura segetum: A case report

INTRODUCTION: Hepatic veno-occlusive disease (HVOD), as known as hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), is an obliterative venulitis of the terminal hepatic venules, which is responsible for considerable mortality. The potential mechanism is destruction of hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (SEC), with sloughing and downstream occlusion of terminal hepatic venules. Here, we report a case of HVOD who have a history of ingestion of Gynura segetum for 1 month. The patient presents for abdominal pain and distension. He was diagnosed for HVOD using computerized tomography (CT) and ultrasonography of liver. And then best supportive care was added. However, without liver transplantation for financial reason, he died in 1 month after discharged from hospital. CONCLUSIONS: We think portal flow reversal was a characteristic imaging findings of HVOD, which can be listed as a specific diagnostic criterion of HVOD. Once the condition was worsening, liver transplantation should be considered as the first choice of treatment planning.