Role of Endoscopic Techniques in the Diagnosis of Complications of Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (Allo-SCT) implies that a donor and a recipient are not genetically identical. Allo-SCT is used to cure a variety of conditions, including hematologic malignancies using the graft versus tumor effect, nonmalignant hematologic, immune deficiencies, and, more recently, genetic disorders and inborn errors of metabolism. Given the immunosuppressive and myeloablative nature of some of the conditioning chemotherapy regimens used during the Allo-SCT, patients are often at high risk of infection, including viral infections affecting the gastrointestinal tract, following the transplant. Furthermore, other complications such as hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) or graft-versus-host disease may occur post-transplant and may require endoscopy to assist in the diagnosis. This review will provide newer insights into the importance of endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis of post-Allo-SCT complications with a focus on safety and timing.