A Case of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Rupture Presenting as Hemothorax Following Radiofrequency Ablation

Abstract

A 73-year-old woman presented with hemorrhagic shock resulting from a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) rupture. A hemothorax caused by diaphragmatic injury was identified from radiofrequency ablation performed 3 years prior. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed the HCC rupture (a 41 mm diameter tumor was seen in liver segment I, as well as contrast medium that had extravasated around the tumor), a right diaphragmatic hernia, and right pleural effusion. Celiac angiography showed extravasation of contrast medium from a tumor vessel. Transcatheter arterial embolization was performed. However, she died of liver failure 10 days later.