Veno-occlusive liver disease after dacarbazine therapy (DTIC) for melanoma.

A case of veno-occlusive disease of the liver with fatal outcome after dacarbazine (DTIC) therapy for melanoma is reported. There was a fulminant clinical course from start of symptoms until death. At autopsy the liver was enlarged and firm with signs of venous congestion. Small- and medium-sized hepatic veins were blocked by thrombosis. Eosinophilic infiltrations were found around the vessels. Published cases from the literature are reviewed and pertinent features discussed.