Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma Complicating HELLP Syndrome: A Life-Threatening Obstetric Emergency – A Case Report

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Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma Complicating HELLP Syndrome: A Life-Threatening Obstetric Emergency – A Case Report

1Widad Azouz,2Raja Amine,3Amine Afif,4Marouane Harit,5Smael Elyoussoufi,6Said Salmi
1,2,3,4,5,6Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center, Casablanca, Morocco
ABSTRACT 

Subcapsular hepatic hematoma is a rare but life-threatening complication of pregnancy, most commonly associated with HELLP syndrome. We report the case of a 30-year-old pregnant woman at 31 weeks of gestation admitted for severe preeclampsia complicated by HELLP syndrome. The patient presented with epigastric pain and biological abnormalities including elevated liver enzymes, thrombocytopenia, and hemolysis. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a subcapsular hepatic hematoma measuring approximately 4 cm associated with significant intraperitoneal effusion. The patient was managed in the intensive care unit with close hemodynamic monitoring, blood transfusion, and supportive treatment. The clinical course was favorable without surgical intervention. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and multidisciplinary management of this rare complication to prevent maternal mortality.
 

KEYWORDS

HELLP syndrome ; Subcapsular hepatic hematoma; Pregnancy; Preeclampsia; Case report


REFERENCES

1) Sibai BM. Diagnosis and management of HELLP syndrome. Obstet Gynecol.
2) Wicke C, et al. Subcapsular liver hematoma in HELLP syndrome.
3) Rinehart BK, et al. Severe preeclampsia and hepatic complications.
4) Martin JN, et al. HELLP syndrome: clinical implications.
5) Araujo AC, et al. Imaging in hepatic hematoma in pregnancy.
6) Reck T, et al. Management of hepatic rupture in pregnancy.
7) Haram K, et al. HELLP syndrome: clinical management.


Cite this article

Azouz, W., Raja , R., Afif, A., Harit, M., Elyoussoufi, S., & Salmi, S. (2026). Subcapsular Hepatic Hematoma Complicating HELLP Syndrome: A Life-Threatening Obstetric Emergency – A Case Report. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEALTH & MEDICAL RESEARCH, 5(4), 310-311. https://doi.org/10.58806/ijhmr.2026.v5i4n04

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