Objective: We describe a case of spontaneous hepatic rupture associated with undiagnosed focal nodular hyperplasia of a patient in the third trimester of pregnancy. Additionally, we provide a brief review of literature.
Design: Case report.
Setting: Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and Motol University Hospital, Prague.
Results: We report the case of a 29 year old patient with otherwise physiological pregnancy, who was hospitalized with pain in left hypochondrium. The patient experienced painful respiration, increasing in intensity in supine position. The possibility of lung embolism was considered and ruled out. Based on a suspected haemoperitoneum, caesarean section was performed. During the inspection of peritoneal cavity a ruptured tumor on the liver was identified. Histological examination showed focal nodular hyperplasia.
Conclusion: Focal nodular hyperplasia is a benign liver lesion. Complications involving rupture or bleeding are very rare. 17 cases of hepatic rupture associated with focal nodular hyperplasia were described in published reports with only one case related to pregnancy. Our case emphasizes the importance of a close cooperation between a gynaecologist, radiologist and surgeon.
Keywords: focal nodular hyperplasia; hepatic rupture haemoperitoneum in pregnancy..