Hepatocellular carcinoma with pleural metastasis complicated by hemothorax.

Takagi, H; Shimoda, R; Uehara, M; Takayama, H; Yamada, T; Ojima, T; Abe, T; Mori, M et al. · Am J Gastroenterol · 1996

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

Hemothorax can be caused by rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hemoperitoneum is a well-known cause of death caused by rupture of a primary HCC lesion. Rupture of a HCC metastasis has not been adequately described. This is the first report of a HCC patient who died of hemothorax due to rupture of a pleural metastasis. The patient, a woman, died in respiratory failure 2 wk after rupture of her HCC metastasis in the pleura. Autopsy revealed moderately differentiated HCC in the liver, lung, and pleura. We discuss treatment options for ruptured pleura-based HCC metastases.

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