Liver transplantation for spontaneous intrapartum rupture of a hepatic adenoma.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenomas can rupture during pregnancy with high fetal and maternal associated mortality.

CASE: A primipara underwent an emergency cesarean delivery at 37 weeks of gestation for abruptio placentae. A few hours later she developed hemorrhagic shock, and laparotomy revealed the rupture of the right lobe of the liver. Bleeding was controlled with perihepatic gauze packing and she was transferred to a transplant center for emergency orthotopic liver transplantation. Histologic examination revealed the presence of an intrahepatic hematoma caused by the rupture of a 12-cm hepatocellular adenoma. At 48 months after transplantation she and her infant were both in good condition.

CONCLUSION: Emergency orthotopic liver transplantations performed for acute rupture of an hepatocellular adenoma represents a valid therapy provided that bleeding can be controlled long enough to locate a suitable donor.