Graft-vs-Host Disease After Liver Transplantation: A Diagnostic and Management Challenge

A 65-year-old White man underwent deceased donor liver transplant for decompensated liver cirrhosis secondary to alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. He developed diarrhea and diffuse maculopapular rash 2 months post-transplant. Skin biopsy revealed necroinflammatory changes related to the superficial dermis. Pancytopenia ensued, complicated by neutropenic sepsis. Chimerism studies confirmed the presence of donor T-lymphocyte macrochimerism (63%). The patient was diagnosed with graft-vs-host disease. After extensive multidisciplinary collaboration, basiliximab was initiated. This resulted in complete symptom resolution and a gradual reduction in T-lymphocyte macrochimerism (12%). The patient was later transitioned to oral ruxolitinib and currently remains in stable condition 16 months after being diagnosed with graft-vs-host disease.