Subcapsular hematoma resulting in hepatic ischemia as a complication of necrotizing pancreatitis

This report presents a case of necrotizing pancreatitis resulting in a large hepatic subcapsular hematoma that led to development of hepatic ischemia and early stages of liver failure. Following surgical decompression, liver function dramatically improved, but large areas of peripheral hepatic infarction had developed. This case demonstrates the risks of a rapidly expanding hepatic subcapsular hematoma, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and aggressively treating active bleeding, and cautions against administering anticoagulation and tissue-plasminogen activator in this clinical scenario.