Spontaneous rupture of omental varices: an uncommon cause of hypovolemic shock in cirrhosis

Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2004 Oct-Dec;67(4):351-4.

Abstract

In cirrhotic patients, esophageal and esophagogastric varices are the most common sites of bleeding, often responsible for hypovolemic shock. Hepatocellular carcinoma, blunt abdominal trauma and postprocedural complications are classical causes of hemoperitoneum in hepatic cirrhosis. Rupture of omental varices is another and rarely reported cause of shock in cirrhosis. We report a case of hypovolemic shock caused by ruptured omental varices. Selective review of literature regarding presentation, diagnosis and management of ruptured intraabdominal varices is also part of presentation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Hemoperitoneum / complications*
  • Hemoperitoneum / etiology
  • Humans
  • Liver Cirrhosis / complications*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Omentum / blood supply*
  • Omentum / diagnostic imaging
  • Omentum / injuries*
  • Rupture, Spontaneous / complications
  • Shock / etiology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed
  • Varicose Veins / complications*
  • Varicose Veins / diagnostic imaging