The role of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction in the pathogenesis of the hepatic involvement in HELLP syndrome: Exploring the literature

•Insight in the exact mechanism of liver dysfunction in HELLP syndrome remains limited.•The interplay between the so called "placenta-endothelium-liver axis" seems key in the development of HELLP.•Similar characteristics with SOS include a strong inflammatory stimulus targeting the hepatic sinusoids, ischemic damage and pro-coagulant microcirculatory architecture.•Reported clinical, histological and radiological data show resemblance of HELLP syndrome and SOS.