Spontaneous rupture of the liver associated with a primary angiosarcoma - Case report

A case of fatal spontaneous rupture of the liver caused by primary angiosar coma is described. Spontaneous rupture of the liver is a rare clinical and pathological entity associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Pos sible causes include infections such as hydatid disease, infiltrating condi tions such as amyloidosis, inflammatory disorders such as the vasculitides, malignant and benign tumors, and tumorlike conditions. As in the case pres ented, the finding of a ruptured liver raises the possibility of blunt abdo minal trauma, and the circumstances and scene should be assessed. The possi bility of terminal resuscitation attempts should also be considered as a po ssible cause.