Spontaneous hepatic rupture in rheumatoid arthritis.

A fatal hepatic rupture developed, in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, as a result of hepatic arteritis. The patient had hypotension, falling hematocrit level, hepatomegaly, and evidence of progressive hepatocellular dysfunction. Hepatic dysfunction is not uncommon in rheumatoid arthritis, but is usually asymptomatic. Hepatic arteritis is a rare manifestation of rheumatoid arthritis; however, recognition of this complication is important, since early intervention may be important in successful management.