Hemoperitoneum from ruptured omental varices

Abstract

We report a patient with hemoperitoneum from rupture of intraperitoneal varices. Hemoperitoneum is rare. Nevertheless, it should be easily recognized in a patient with abdominal pain and distension, a falling hematocrit in the absence of external blood loss, and gross blood in the abdominal fluid. The syndrome is another justification for early paracentesis in patients with abdominal fluid. Mortality remains high despite surgical correction of the bleeding and reflects the severity of the underlying liver disorder.