Unusual presentation of spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma: Inguinal hernia

Spontaneous ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a life-threatening condition despite improvements in diagnostic methods and established treatment strategies. Although typical clinical presentations of spontaneous ruptured HCC facilitate easy diagnosis, this condition can present with unexpectedly varied symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. We describe an atypical clinical presentation of spontaneous ruptured HCC mimicking an inguinal hernia. A 66-year-old man presented to the emergency department with groin discomfort and swelling, suggesting an inguinal hernia. He had no history of an inguinal hernia or known liver cirrhosis. Physical examination revealed a palpable, tender left groin mass. Point-of-care ultrasonography showed bowel-like structures with an echo-free space in the left groin. Unenhanced computed tomography (CT) of the pelvis demonstrated mesenteric fat prolapse and hyperdense fluid in the left inguinal canal and scrotum. Considering the possibility of a strangulated hernia, emergency exploratory laparotomy was performed. Unexpectedly, blood retention in the hernia sac was found, with no intestinal involvement. Further exploration revealed a hematoma and tumor on the liver surface. Finally, he was diagnosed with spontaneous ruptured HCC and underwent successful emergency hepatic resection. Spontaneous ruptured HCC can potentially mimic other abdominal conditions such as an inguinal hernia, even in cases of undiagnosed liver cirrhosis. Although unenhanced CT can reveal bloody ascites suggesting hemoperitoneum, the underlying cause should be carefully considered. Emergency physicians should recognize various clinical presentations of spontaneous ruptured HCC to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment of this potentially fatal complication.