Abstract:
Objective: To evaluate the computed tomography (CT) findings of ruptured HCC at King Chulalongkorn Memorial
Hospital, Thailand. Methods: We reviewed the CT findings of 15 patients who were diagnosed as having a ruptured HCC and
underwent CT scan of the upper abdomen. Two experienced radiologists analyzed the CT findings regarding the
tumor’s size, tumor’s number, location, hepatic segment involvement, contour protrusion including appearance
of the mass and ascites. Results: The study population consisted of 15 men with mean age of 57.4 years (27-78 years). All cases
showed liver cirrhosis. All ruptured tumors were located at the periphery of the liver and had a protruding
contour. The maximum diameter of the tumors ranged from 2.8-17.2 cm (mean 7.44 cm). Marginal disruption was
seen in 9 cases (60 %). Five cases (33 %) presented with hematoma and high attenuation around the ruptured
mass. All cases of ruptured HCC had ascites. Conclusion: The peripheral location, protruding contour, marginal disruption of the tumor with the background
of a cirrhotic liver are highly suggestive of ruptured HCC.
