Computed tomography for diagnosis of hepatic rupture in primary systemic amyloidosis.

Hepatic rupture in primary systemic amyloidosis is extremely ominous; death occurs in hours to days. We present two cases of hepatic rupture diagnosed ante mortem with computed tomography (CT). Surgical repair was possible in one instance and successfully controlled the bleeding. In the setting of primary amyloidosis, the early use of CT scanning for undiagnosed ascites, hypotension, or rapid organ enlargement may lead to early diagnosis and potential surgical correction.