Cryptogenic hepatocellular carcinoma as a cause of hemoperitoneum - a case report

Cryptogenic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant liver tumor that develops in patients without liver cirrhosis. HCC bleeding in the abdominal cavity is a life threatening event.

We present the case of a 73-year-old man with unconsciousness and hemoperitoneum on computed tomography (CT). The hemoperitoneum was caused by a bleeding liver tumor which was found during acute laparotomy. Perihepatic packing was performed. Despite all intensive care, the patient died.

Bleeding from/to hepatocellular carcinoma is a severe event with high lethality. Laparotomy to stop the bleeding is the method of choice in hemodynamically unstable patients. Other treatment options can be used in stable patients.