Abstract

GARAMENDI, P.M.; ARBELLA, M.  and  AGUILERA, B.. Massive haemoperitoneum as a complication of spontaneous rupture of the gallbladder: Report of a sudden death. Cuad. med. forense [online]. 2002, n.28, pp.37-41. ISSN 1988-611X.

We report a case of sudden death due to massive haemoperitoneum as a complication of spontaneous rupture of the gallbladder associated with cholelithiasis, obstruction of the cystic duct and acute haemorrhagic cholecystitis. Death occurred in an adult male previously asymptomatic. This is an unusual circumstance in the medical literature. Since 1858, less than 50 cases of spontaneous rupture of the gallbladder associated with haemoperitoneum have been reported. Since 1952, there is only one other case of sudden death with this clinical condition, reported in 1991, but not associated with cholelithiasis.

Keywords : gallbladder; spontaneous rupture; haemoperitoneum; sudden death; adult.

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