Liver hematoma and rupture in pregnancy.

Liver hematoma and rupture is a rare but devastating complication of pregnancy. The majority of cases have been associated with severe preeclampsia, but unlike typical preeclampsia, it is a disease of older, multiparous patients. Although there are predictable findings on liver pathology, the underlying pathophysiology is poorly understood. Early recognition and prompt surgical intervention are crucial to reduce the high fetal and maternal mortality rate associated with this disease.