Hepatic rupture after cesarean section in a patient with HELLP syndrome: a case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous hepatic rupture in pregnancy is rare and carries a high maternal and perinatal mortality. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of hepatic rupture that occurred after emergency caesarean section performed in a pregnant woman at 38 weeks of gestation with Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes and Low Platelet count (HELLP) syndrome. The patient was discharged after 30 days of intensive therapy and four explorative laparotomies. Today, 2 years after delivery, the patient and her baby are doing well. CONCLUSION: Hepatic rupture in pregnancy is a rare event that may complicate HELLP syndrome. In this case, we were able to achieve an excellent clinical outcome by the performance of an immediately explorative laparotomy.