Case Report
Copyright ©2007 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Aug 28, 2007; 13(32): 4405-4407
Published online Aug 28, 2007. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i32.4405
Spontaneous rupture of the liver in a patient with chronic hepatitis B and D
Ching-Jung Liu, Rong-Nan Chien, Cho-Li Yen, Jia-Jang Chang
Ching-Jung Liu, Rong-Nan Chien, Cho-Li Yen, Jia-Jang Chang, Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Institute of Technology, Keelung, Taiwan, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Rong-Nan Chien, Professor, Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Institute of Technology, Keelung 222, Mai-Chin Road Keelung, Taiwan, China. ronald@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Telephone: +886-2-24313131-3171 Fax: +886-2-24335342
Received: April 25, 2007
Revised: June 1, 2007
Accepted: June 9, 2007
Published online: August 28, 2007
Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of the liver is a rare condition with serious consequences, if not recognized and treated in time. It has been reported as a complication of several disorders, including benign or malignant liver tumors, connective tissue disease, infiltrating liver disease, preeclampsia, and post anticoagulant therapy. We report a case of spontaneous rupture of liver in a non-cirrhotic, chronic hepatitis B and D patient presenting with acute hemoperitoneum and shock. The subcapsular hematoma and rupture of liver were documented by image studies. The patients' condition gradually stabilized after fluid resuscitation. The reported case and literature review suggest that spontaneous rupture of liver must be considered in a differential diagnosis of acute hemoperitoneum. A high index of suspicion and early diagnosis with imaging are critically important.

Keywords: Spontaneous liver rupture; Hemoperitoneum; Hepatitis B