Ruptured Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Interventional Radiology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent primary liver malignancy globally.
• Spontaneous rupture of liver masses is rare, particularly after embolization therapy.
• Early diagnosis and intervention are critical for improving HCC patient prognosis.

Observation:

• A patient with HCC underwent transarterial radioembolization (TARE) using yttrium-90 (Y90).
• Despite TARE, the HCC liver mass demonstrated progression and spontaneous rupture.
• The patient's condition declined rapidly, even after additional embolization procedures.

Findings:

• Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with Y90 did not prevent tumor progression and subsequent spontaneous rupture in this HCC case.
• Aggressive management including further embolization failed to reverse the patient's clinical deterioration.
• The case underscores the potential for catastrophic complications in advanced HCC despite standard treatments.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare but severe complication of HCC treatment, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring.
• It suggests that even after embolization, HCC rupture remains a risk, necessitating prompt recognition and management.
• Further research may be warranted to identify risk factors and optimize treatment strategies for HCC to prevent such adverse events.