Imaging of subcapsular hepatic and renal hematomas in pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to provide an illustrative case of spontaneous hepatic and renal hematomas that occurred during a pregnancy complicated by preeclampsia and the HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count) syndrome. The sonographic and computed tomographic findings included intrahepatic, subcapsular hepatic, and extracapsular perihepatic hematomas in addition to a large subcapsular renal hematoma. Since hepatic and renal hematomas that occur in association with preeclampsia and the HELLP syndrome are rare but potentially life-threatening complications, prompt laboratory and radiologic evaluations are essential and may reduce the associated morbidity and mortality. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 27:35–40, 1999.