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Delayed hemorrhage after percutaneous liver biopsy.
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|June 1, 1983
Summary
Delayed hemorrhage after liver biopsy, though rare, can occur days later due to intrahepatic hematoma. This potential complication, even without pre-existing bleeding risks, warrants consideration in patient monitoring post-procedure.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Percutaneous liver biopsy is a common diagnostic procedure.
- Immediate hemorrhage is a known, albeit uncommon, complication.
Observation:
- Delayed hemorrhage, occurring days after liver biopsy, is a seldom-appreciated risk.
- Two cases illustrate delayed hemorrhage attributed to intrahepatic hematoma at the biopsy site.
Findings:
- One patient experienced fatal intraperitoneal hemorrhage 15 days post-biopsy.
- Another patient had massive intrahepatic hemorrhage 41 hours post-biopsy.
- Neither patient had pre-biopsy contraindications; one developed a post-biopsy hemorrhagic diathesis.
Implications:
- The rare possibility of delayed hemorrhage should be considered in all liver biopsy patients.
- Extended surveillance may be necessary for patients post-liver biopsy, especially if hematoma is suspected.
- Understanding delayed bleeding risks can improve patient outcomes and management strategies.