Hemoperitonium: Atypical Presentation Caused by Spontaneous Rupture of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in an Undiagnosed Patient

Introduction: Acute hemoperitoneum due to the spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare case of non-traumatic intra-abdomen bleeding that requires a high index of suspicion to approach, especially if no known history of HCC. It can mislead the physicians when the patient presents in an atypical way. Case Presentation: In this case report, we describe a fortuitous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma in a 58-year-old male who was not previously diagnosed as having HCC and who came with atypical symptoms and signs of hemoperitoneum. He was then treated by trans-arterial embolectomy. Discussion: Diagnosis of hemoperitoneum in a case with bradycardia and hypotension is uncommon, as it goes more towards cardiogenic shock than hypovolemic shock, especially in a patient who is previously not symptomatic and has no risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: physicians should be alert to the possibility of encountering a hemorrhagic shock, although no trauma injury in any hypotensive patient with no clear reason for his condition.