Haemoperitoneum Due to Spontaneous Rupture of a Liver Metastasis

Abstract

Spontaneous rupture of a liver metastasis is a life-threatening complication of metastatic liver disease. Although metastatic liver lesions are much more common than primary tumours, spontaneous rupture of a liver metastasis is rare. Therapeutic decisions must take into account the extent of metastatic liver disease and the patient’s performance status. Transarterial embolization may be considered in cases of ongoing haemorrhage despite initial conservative measures. We describe a case of haemoperitoneum due to spontaneous rupture of a liver metastasis in a 72-year-old patient with carcinoma of unknown origin who responded well to conservative management.

Keywords

• Liver
• metastasis
• rupture
• haemoperitoneum