sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

Definition of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome

sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SINE-yoo-SOY-dul ub-STRUK-shun SIN-drome): A condition in which some of the veins in the liver are blocked. This causes a decrease in blood flow inside the liver and may lead to liver damage. Signs and symptoms include weight gain, yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes, dark-colored urine, and increased liver size. It may occur at some point in time after radiation therapy to the liver and bile ducts or after high-dose anticancer drugs were given before a stem cell transplant. Also called hepatic veno-occlusive disease.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms