Background/aims: Spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is known as a rare but life- threatening condition because of massive blood loss into the peritoneal cavity. In the countries with high prevalence, the reported incidence of spontaneous rupture and hemorrhage ranged from 10.2% to 14.5% of patients with HCC. This study was aimed to analyze the risk factors for spontaneous rupture and prognosis in the patients with ruptured HCC.
Methods: Among 642 consecutive patients with HCC who had admitted to Gyeongsang National University Hospital from January 1998 to September 2003, spontaneous rupture of HCC occurred in 83 patients (12.9%). The medical records of the 83 patients were reviewed retrospectively, and the clinico-laboratory parameters and radiologic findings were analyzed.
Results: Sixty-nine out of the 83 patients were male, the mean age was 57.7 +/- 13.2 years (male, 56.8 +/- 12.9 years; female, 62.3 +/- 13.5 years). Location of tumor, Child-Pugh class and Okuda stage were the risk factors influencing spontaneous rupture of HCC, whereas the TNM stage, presence of portal vein thrombosis, and size of the tumor were not. Among the 83 patients with ruptured HCC, 51 were treated by transarterial embolization (TAE), 31 by supportive measures, and 1 by operation. The median survival time was 3.4 +/- 4.5 months in all patients with ruptured HCC, 4.9 +/- 5.1 in successful TAE, and 2.1 +/- 3.4 in supportive measure groups.
Conclusions: Advanced Child-Pugh class, advanced Okuda stage, and peripheral location were the risk factors for spontaneous rupture of HCC. The prolonged survival could be achieved in patients eligible for successful transarterial embolization rather than supportive measures.