[A case of ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma with rapid growth after the interferon therapy in chronic hepatitis]

A 75-year-old man who had had a long history of chronic hepatitis C virus liver disease underwent interferon (IFN) therapy for three months. After three months of the last IFN injection, he presented with a sudden attack of epigastralgia. Abdominal US and CT revealed a tumor about 9 x 10 cm in the right lobe of the liver. Serum AFP level was 8,499 ng/ml. Spontaneous hemoperitoneum due to ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was suspected. Hepatectomy was carried out on 35 days postembolization. Pathological examination revealed HCC of trabecular type. Although the relation between the rapid growth and IFN is not clear, US examination should be performed once a month for the patient.