[A case of massive hemoperitoneum caused by spontaneous detachment of epiploic appendices]

An unusual case of spontaneous detachment of the sigmoid epiploic appendix is described. The most frequently reported pathologies of these formations are reviewed. The discussion stresses the unusual clinical picture which determined the diagnostic error. Some hypotheses are also formulated on the aetiopathogenesis of ischaemia of epiploic appendices.