Superselective arterial embolization of the superior mesenteric artery for the treatment of gastrointestinal hemorrhage following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Run-Zhe Chen,* Gang Zhao,* Nan Jin, Bao-An Chen, Jia-Hua Ding Department of Hematology and Oncology, Key Department of Jiangsu Medicine, Zhongda Hospital, Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, People’s Republic of China *These authors contributed equally to this work Abstract: Superselective arterial embolization is a common therapeutic procedure for cases of visceral hemorrhage. However, until now, it has not been applied in the treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage caused by acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We describe a case presenting with persistent GI bleeding associated with acute GVHD successfully treated by superselective arterial embolization of the superior mesenteric artery with gelatin sponge after noneffective conventional management. This case will help guide hematologists to deal with a similar situation in the future. Keywords: gastrointestinal bleeding, acute graft-versus-host disease, allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, arterial embolization