Ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma following chemoembolization: a western experience

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a primary treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
• While known complications like sepsis exist, HCC rupture post-TACE is a rare, life-threatening event.
• This study investigates the incidence and risk factors for HCC rupture following TACE.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE).
• To identify risk factors associated with HCC rupture following TACE treatment.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of a liver database from January 1995 to December 2005.
• Search terms included "chemoembolization" and "ruptured HCC" for patient identification.
• No exclusion criteria were applied to the selected patient cohort.

Main Results:

• Two cases of HCC rupture occurred among 294 patients (0.68% incidence) over 530 TACE sessions.
• Rupture occurred 2 and 24 days post-treatment in patients aged 65.
• Associated factors included male sex, large tumor size (11-13 cm), and exophytic tumor growth.

Conclusions:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture post-TACE is an uncommon but severe complication.
• Predisposing factors for rupture may include male gender, large tumor size, and exophytic tumor growth.