It is a complication of high-dose chemotherapy given before a bone marrow transplant or excessive exposure to hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

It is classically marked by weight gain due to fluid retention, increased liver size, and raised levels of bilirubin in the blood.

[1] The name sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) is preferred if hepatic veno-occlusive disease happens as a result of chemotherapy or bone marrow transplantation.

[3] Features of hepatic veno-occlusive disease include weight gain, tender enlargement of the liver, ascites, and yellow discoloration of the skin; it often is associated with acute kidney failure.

[5] When it occurs as a result of bone marrow transplant and multiorgan failure is present, the risk of death is greater than 80%.