Ruptured hepatic hematoma managed with a Sengstaken-Blakemore probe in severe preeclampsia with hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelets (HELLP) syndrome

Abstract

We report the case of a 34-year-old woman with a 32-week pregnancy complicated by recurrent severe preeclampsia, HELLP Class I syndrome, and an intact hepatic hematoma of the right lobe detected by ultrasound. During the cesarean section, the rupture of the hematoma occurred and a gastroesophageal probe of the Sengstaken-Blakemore type was placed to occlude the bleeding cavity and the exit tunnel. The balloons were deflated gradually and the probe was removed on the 10th day without complications. The Sengstaken-Blakemore probe can be an effective remedy to control liver bleeding in selected cases.