Intraperitoneal metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma after spontaneous rupture: A case report

Rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a life-threatening complication. Peritoneal metastasis of HCC after spontaneous rupture was seldom noted. We report a case of intraperitoneal metastasis of HCC after spontaneous rupture. A previously asymptomatic 72-year-old man was admitted due to dull abdominal pain with abdominal fullness. He had a history of HCC rupture 10 mo ago and transarterial embolization was performed at that time. Abdominal computer tomograghy (CT) scan showed a huge peritoneal mass over the right upper quadrant area. Surgical resection was arranged and subsequent microscopic examination confirmed a diagnosis of moderately-differentiated HCC. (C) 2008 The WJG Press. All rights reserved.