BACKGROUND:

Hepatic rupture is a potentially fatal rare complication, which is diagnosed in 1 of each 100,000 to 250 000 pregnancies. Maternal mortality has been reported in up to 86% of the patients. In cases where there has been a diagnosis of HELLP syndrome, the presence of a hepatic hematoma has to be suspected since it could lead to a hepatic rupture and eventually death.

CLINICAL CASE:

46 year old female in late stage of pregnancy, following a hepatic rupture caused by HELLP syndrome and fetal demise of both fetuses in previous twin pregnancy. Her last pregnancy being of normal evolution, having been submitted to cesarean section without complications on her 37th week of gestation, and discharged on her third post-operative day showing a good evolution.

CONCLUSION:

The multidisciplinary medical attention given to the patient, as well as the hospital infrastructure, allowed the patient to be kept in good health despite the hepatic rupture and hemorrhage presented. It is important to remember that one of the leading causes of maternal death around the world is hypertension during pregnancy. Therefore, patients have to be made conscious of the significance and importance of attending prenatal care on a regular basis and be given information on hypertension and its complications. Additionally, it is important that obstetricians keep in mind that although this is a rare complication, it can lead to a fatal outcome when presented.