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Published on: October 12, 2012
Spontaneous Hepatic Hemorrhage: An Unexpected Complication From Enoxaparin
Abhishrut Jog1, Vijil Rajan2, Charbel Ishak3
1Pulmonary Medicine, BronxCare Health System, Bronx, USA.
This study reports a rare case of spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage (SHH) in a patient who was receiving enoxaparin therapy. SHH typically occurs in the presence of liver cancer or other liver diseases, but this case occurred without a solid liver lesion. The patient showed non-specific symptoms and had a significant drop in hemoglobin levels, indicating internal bleeding. Computed tomography imaging confirmed the diagnosis of SHH. The patient was treated conservatively and recovered without surgical intervention. The case suggests a possible association between enoxaparin and SHH, but the authors do not claim a causal relationship. This report highlights the need for increased awareness of SHH in patients on anticoagulant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hematology and coagulation disorders
- Gastroenterology and liver diseases
- Pharmacology of anticoagulants
Background:
Spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage is a rare clinical event that typically occurs in the setting of liver cancer or diffuse liver disease. Prior research has shown that this condition is most commonly associated with solid liver lesions such as hepatocellular carcinoma. It was already known that warfarin, an anticoagulant, has been linked to SHH in some cases. However, no prior work had resolved whether enoxaparin, another anticoagulant, could also be associated with SHH. This gap motivated the exploration of cases where enoxaparin use may be a contributing factor. The absence of a solid lesion in some SHH cases has also raised questions about the underlying mechanisms. Systemic diseases and diffuse hepatic conditions have been proposed as alternative causes. This uncertainty drove the need to report and analyze rare cases to expand the understanding of SHH etiology.
Purpose Of The Study:
The aim of this study is to present a rare case of SHH that occurred in the absence of a solid liver lesion and in the context of enoxaparin use. The specific problem addressed is the lack of documented cases linking SHH with enoxaparin. The motivation stems from the need to expand the clinical understanding of SHH and its potential associations with anticoagulant therapy. The study seeks to contribute to the literature by highlighting a novel clinical scenario. The absence of prior reports linking enoxaparin to SHH makes this case noteworthy. The goal is to raise awareness among clinicians about the possibility of SHH in patients on enoxaparin. The study does not propose a causal relationship but highlights an association. It aims to prompt further investigation into the mechanisms and risk factors involved.
Main Methods:
The study is a case report involving a single patient diagnosed with SHH. The approach includes a clinical evaluation of the patient's symptoms and medical history. Diagnostic methods included computed tomography imaging to confirm the presence of hepatic hemorrhage. Laboratory tests were conducted to assess hemoglobin levels and other relevant parameters. The patient's treatment and response were monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of conservative management. The case was analyzed in the context of existing literature to determine its uniqueness. The study does not involve experimental design or controlled trials. It relies on clinical observation and documentation of the patient's condition.
Main Results:
The case presented involves a patient with SHH who had no solid liver lesion. The patient was receiving enoxaparin therapy at the time of diagnosis. The hemorrhage was confirmed through computed tomography imaging. Hemoglobin levels showed a significant drop consistent with internal bleeding. The patient's symptoms were non-specific, making initial diagnosis challenging. Conservative treatment was initiated and found to be effective in managing the condition. No surgical intervention was required in this case. The patient's recovery was documented and found to be consistent with typical SHH outcomes.
Conclusions:
The authors propose that SHH may occur in patients receiving enoxaparin therapy, even in the absence of a solid liver lesion. The case described suggests a possible association between enoxaparin and SHH. However, the authors do not claim a causal relationship. The findings may suggest a need for increased vigilance in patients on anticoagulant therapy. The study does not propose new treatment protocols or interventions. The authors highlight the importance of considering SHH in the differential diagnosis of unexplained abdominal symptoms. The study does not suggest a change in standard anticoagulant use guidelines. The case contributes to the literature by expanding the known clinical associations of SHH.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main outcome is a reported case of SHH in a patient receiving enoxaparin therapy without a solid liver lesion.
Computed tomography imaging was used to confirm the presence of hepatic hemorrhage.
The patient was receiving enoxaparin therapy at the time of diagnosis, prompting investigation into its possible role.
Conservative treatment was used and found to be effective in managing the patient's condition.
A significant drop in hemoglobin levels was observed, consistent with internal hemorrhage.
The authors suggest a possible association between enoxaparin and SHH but do not claim causation.
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