Traditional Chinese Acupuncture Causing Acute Hemoperitoneum from Direct Liver Injury

Traditional Chinese medicine is a popular form of complementary and/or alternative medicine in Southeast Asia, often incorporating acupuncture. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into varied anatomical points on the body for the relief of a range of symptoms, such as musculoskeletal aches and pains. We present the first reported case of percutaneous liver injury secondary to acupuncture. We aim to familiarize readers with this rare and as-yet unreported case of intra-abdominal injury related to acupuncture, which is commonly practiced in many countries in Eastern and Southeast Asia.