Delayed bleeding after liver biopsy: a dreaded complication

Yeo WT, Tan LK, Dan YY, Wai CT
Correspondence:Dr Wai Chun-Tao, waict2002@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT
We present an unusual case of percutaneous liver biopsy complicated by delayed haemothorax in a 55-year-old Chinese man with hepatitis C cirrhosis and severe haemophilia A. The patient presented ten days after the initial liver biopsy, and was managed with prompt investigations for confirming the diagnosis, infusion of factor VIII and fresh frozen plasma, and early referral to the surgeon for consideration of surgical repair. The importance of early detection and aggressive therapy is emphasised.

Keywords:biopsy complication, haemothorax, haemophilia, liver biopsy complication, postbiopsy bleeding
Singapore Med J 2008; 49:76-80.