[Spontaneous rupture of a hepatocellular carcinoma successfully managed by embolization of the hepatic artery].

An 87-year old woman was admitted with a clinical picture of hypovolemic shock, preceded by a few weeks of abdominal pain. On admission, blood urea was high, the hemoglobin 5 g% and the CT scan revealed a large mass in the right hepatic lobe and free fluid in the abdominal cavity. A tentative diagnosis of ruptured hepatoma with spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding was made. The diagnosis was confirmed by angiography and selective embolization of the hepatic artery stopped the bleeding. The patient left hospital a few days later.