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Repeated detection of gas in the portal vein after liver transplantation: A sign of EBV‐associated post‐transplant lymphoproliferation?
Author(s) -
Wallot Michael A.,
Klepper Jörg,
Clapuyt Philippe,
Dirsch Olaf,
Malagó Max,
Reding Raymond,
Otte Jean Bernard,
Sokal Etienne M.
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
pediatric transplantation
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.457
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1399-3046
pISSN - 1397-3142
DOI - 10.1034/j.1399-3046.2002.02001.x
Subject(s) - medicine , immunosuppression , liver transplantation , transplantation , lymphoproliferative disease , pleural effusion , lymphoma , pathology , radiology , surgery
A 1‐yr‐old child presented with intractable right sided pleural effusion and progressive clinical deterioration 3 weeks after liver transplantation for Alagille Syndrome. He had been treated successfully for severe acute rejection before. Ultrasound and Doppler mode studies repeatedly demonstrated air in the portal vein. Intra‐abdominal and intra‐thoracic lymphoproliferation was detected, and EBV virus load and serology were suggestive of primary EBV infection. Liver biopsy revealed blast‐like infiltrates of B‐cells, considered diagnostic for post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease. The disease resolved upon reduction of immunosuppression. We suggest that the detection of portal vein gas in pediatric liver transplant recipients beyond the early post‐operative period may be a sign of intra‐abdominal post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disease.