Sonographic diagnosis of subcapsular liver hematoma mimicking tumor in a neonate

Subcapsular Liver Hematoma—A Life-Threatening Condition in Preterm Neonates—A Case Series and Systematic Review of the Literature

The subcapsular hematoma (SLH) of the liver is a rare finding in living infants. The clinical presentation of rupture is non-specific, with the signs of hypovolemic shock dominating. The causes are several, with prematurity, trauma and sepsis playing a leading role in the creation of an SHL. Umbilical vein catheterization and an increased bleeding tendency have also been associated with this usually fatal diagnosis. Abdominal ultrasonography, among other imaging methods, comprises the gold standard examination for early diagnosis. It should be differentiated from other possible causes of shock, such as sepsis and intraventricular hemorrhage, which have similar clinical presentation. We report a case series of three very low birth weight preterms (VLBW), with an SHL, during the first days of life, one of which survived from this usually catastrophic condition. A comprehensive review of the literature regarding this clinical entity was also conducted. A high index of suspicion is essential for early identification of such a case, with conservative or surgical treatment being the way to go.

Unexpected extensive hemorrhage from a subcapsular hematoma of the liver during emergent laparotomy in a premature neonate

A subcapsular hematoma of the liver is often found during autopsy in stillborn infants rather than clinically. It is usually asymptomatic unless ruptured; thus, the diagnosis is often delayed or missed. Rupture of a subcapsular hematoma in a premature neonate causes massive intraabdominal hemorrhage, which is associated with high mortality. Thus, early recognition and treatment to avoid rupture are imperative. We describe a case of life-threatening hemorrhage from a subcapsular hematoma of the liver during emergent laparotomy for mechanical obstruction in an 860 g premature neonate and discuss the appropriate preoperative preparation and anesthetic management for this case.

Subcapsular liver hematoma after colonoscopy diagnosed by emergency department bedside ultrasonography

BACKGROUND

Hepatic subcapsular hematoma is an uncommon cause of right upper quadrant pain in the Emergency Department. It must be recognized early, as large volumes of acute blood loss and rupture into the peritoneum carry significant morbidity and mortality. In the absence of gallbladder disease, the differential diagnosis should include liver pathology. Bedside ultrasonography can be used to identify such lesions.

OBJECTIVES

To discuss the presentation, evaluation, and management options of hepatic subcapsular hematoma.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a 30-year-old woman who presented with the chief complaint of right upper quadrant pain radiating to the right scapula 6 h after a screening colonoscopy for intestinal polyps. Emergency physician-performed bedside ultrasound revealed a large hyperechoic mass in the right lobe of the liver. Radiology-performed comprehensive ultrasound and subsequent computed tomography scan of her abdomen and pelvis revealed a subcapsular hematoma without intestinal perforation.

CONCLUSION

In a patient with undifferentiated right upper quadrant abdominal pain, bedside ultrasonography is a rapid and effective modality in the diagnosis of liver masses, including subcapsular hematoma.

Hepatic subcapsular haematoma in a premature newborn

Subcapsular haematoma of the liver rarely occurs in neonates and the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. It is a catastrophic condition that can be caused by maternal, placentar or fetal factors. A high index of suspicion is essential for early identification and stabilisation of babies with such a pathology. In a newborn with hypovolemic shock and abdominal distension, haemoperitoneum should be suspected and, along with exclusion of other aetiologies, supportive therapy should be instituted. The hepatic subcapsular haematoma has a non-specific presentation, and should be considered in very low birth weight infants with hypovolemic shock. Abdominal ultrasonography is the investigation of choice. It can delineate the lesion well, differentiate it from neoplasms, rule out rupture and aid in serial follow-up. We report a premature newborn who had this uncommon condition in the early neonatal period and survived without sequelae.

Hepatic subcapsular hematoma: two neonates with disparate presentations

Subcapsular hematoma of the liver rarely occurs in neonates and the diagnosis is often missed or delayed. We report two babies who had this uncommon condition in the early neonatal period. In the first baby, the hematoma was associated with ventouse delivery and presented with abdominal distension and worsening jaundice. In contrast, the other baby was relatively well, with progressive pallor as the only clinical finding. The former had no other identifiable risk factors, whereas the latter was confirmed as having classical hemophilia. The literature is briefly reviewed with regards to incidence, etiology, diagnosis and management. Awareness of this unusual entity coupled with a high index of suspicion is essential for early identification and stabilization of such babies.

An incidentally detected hepatic subcapsular hematoma in a very low birth weight newborn: a case report

Introduction

A hepatic subcapsular hematoma in a neonate shows a non-specific presentation such as the presence of an abdominal mass without symptoms of hemorrhage and is clinically less distinguished as compared to cases detected during an autopsy.

Case presentation

A neonate was delivered by vaginal delivery after 29 weeks and three days gestation with breech presentation. In a laboratory study, there were slightly increased levels of liver enzymes but the platelet count and hemoglobin level were normal. An abdomen ultrasonography and CT image demonstrated the cystic mass containing an internal thin septum with compression of the lateral margin of the right hepatic lobe and Morison's pouch. A CT image showed an irregular low-density lesion in the dome of liver that was suspected parenchymal laceration.

Conclusion

We have described the sonographic and CT findings of an incidentally detected subcapsular hematoma of the liver in a neonate who showed a breech presentation, very low birth weight and was premature.

Severe acute haemorrhagic liver failure in a neonate with a favourable spontaneous outcome

Acute liver failure in neonates is rare and is frequently associated with an unfavourable outcome. There is no curative treatment other than liver transplantation. Screening for viral, metabolic, toxic or vascular disease is essential to assess the prognosis and to guide specific treatment. Hepatic haemorrhage in neonates is often associated with bacterial infection, trauma and coagulopathies. We present a unique case of neonatal acute liver failure and multifocal massive haemorrhagic intrahepatic lesions of traumatic origin, documented by US and MRI. The patient made a spontaneous recovery. Clinical, biological and imaging outcome was excellent despite the apparent severity of the initial features. The only possible aetiology was a difficult caesarean delivery for mild fetal macrosomia.

Part 2: Birth trauma: injuries to the intraabdominal organs, peripheral nerves, and skeletal system

Part 1 of this 2-part article, "Early Recognition and Treatment of Birth Trauma: Injuries to the Head and Face" provided readers with basic concepts related to birth trauma to the head and face. Part 2 focuses on the pathophysiology, etiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of birth injuries to the intraabdominal organs, the peripheral nerves, the spinal cord, and the skeletal system. Risk factors for birth injury to these areas are discussed along with key issues related to the nursing care of affected infants.

Intrahepatic hematoma: hepatic lesion in a newborn with high alpha-fetoprotein level

Hepatic hematomas are relatively common in fetuses and neonates; most are subcapsular in location. Sometimes their imaging features can be non-specific, so differentiation from other aggressive lesions like hepatoblastoma can be difficult, especially if there is a concurrent high alpha-fetoprotein level. We report a case of intrahepatic hematoma with a rising alpha-fetoprotein level.

A case report of a low-birth-weight infant with a subcapsular liver hematoma and spontaneous bowel perforation

This case report describes a 27-week, 1040-g infant, whose mother presented with an acute abruption and fetal distress prompting emergency cesarean birth. The birth was further complicated by fetal malposition, manual version, birth trauma, and perinatal depression requiring intubation, ventilation, and chest compressions. On day of life (DOL) 7, the infant suddenly deteriorated with cardiovascular collapse and severe coagulopathy. Coexisting spontaneous bowel perforation (SBP) and ruptured subcapsular liver hematoma (SLH) were confirmed operatively. Although survival with ruptured SLH is rarely reported, with aggressive medical and surgical management, this infant survived and was discharged home at 43 weeks postconceptual age. SBP may occur silently; pneumoperitoneum may be an incidental finding. Conversely, rupture of an SLH typically presents with a sudden clinical deterioration. The common predisposing factor for both conditions is low birth weight (LBW). A review of the known and proposed risk factors, clinical signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, and treatment of both SBP and SLH are provided. A literature review highlighting the potential impact of drug exposures (indomethacin, hydrocortisone, and low molecular weight heparin) is provided, along with a discussion of the implications for clinical practice and research.