Published online Jun 21, 2015. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v21.i23.7326
Peer-review started: January 16, 2015
First decision: March 10, 2015
Revised: March 25, 2015
Accepted: April 28, 2015
Article in press: April 28, 2015
Published online: June 21, 2015
Processing time: 157 Days and 0.6 Hours
Hemangioma is the most common type of benign tumor that arises in the liver. Although rupture and hemorrhage of hepatic hemangioma are rare complications, they can be the cause of mortality. The authors report a case of hemorrhagic hepatic hemangioma: in a 54-year-old woman who was admitted with epigastric pain. She had taken oral contraceptives several weeks prior. The results of a blood examination were normal. An abdominal computed tomography scan revealed a tumor in hepatic segment 4, and a hemorrhage inside the cystic mass was suspected. The mass was removed laparoscopically to confirm the tumor properties and control the hemorrhage. The pathologic findings of the resected mass were consistent with hepatic hemangioma with intratumoral hemorrhage. The patient was discharged 8 d after the surgery, without further complications or complaints, and the patient’s condition was found to have improved during follow-up.
Core tip: Hemangioma is the most common type of benign tumor arising in the liver. Although rupture and hemorrhage of hepatic hemangioma are rare complications, they can be fatal. The authors report a case of hemorrhagic hepatic hemangioma. Compared to other benign hepatic tumor masses, the clinical importance of hemangioma can be easily overlooked. However, if the patient exhibits abdominal symptoms with a history associated with increased blood estrogen levels, a careful examination is necessary to determine whether these symptoms might be accompanied by internal hemorrhage.