Spontaneous rupture of hepatic epithelioid haemangio-endothelioma.

A 69 year old man presented with haemoperitoneum due to spontaneous rupture of a hepatic epithelioid haemangio-endothelioma. The tumour was found by ultrasound and coeliac angiogram to be locally advanced, involving both lobes of the liver. The bleeding was stopped by transcatheter arterial embolization. The diagnosis was established 4 weeks later by a Trucut biopsy under ultrasound guidance. The patient refused further treatment by radiation and chemotherapy, so he was observed closely. Chest radiography carried out 3 months later revealed multiple pulmonary secondaries. Despite his disseminated disease, he was well and enjoying a normal active life 4 months after embolization.