Spontaneous rupture of omental varices : an uncommon cause of hypovolemic shock in cirrhosis

In cirrhotic patients, esophageal and esophagogastric varices are the most common sites of bleeding, often responsible for hypov- olemic shock. Hepatocellular carcinoma, blunt abdominal trauma and postprocedural complications are classical causes of hemo- peritoneum in hepatic cirrhosis. Rupture of omental varices is another and rarely reported cause of shock in cirrhosis. We report a case of hypovolemic shock caused by ruptured omental varices. Selective review of literature regarding presentation, diagnosis and management of ruptured intraabdominal varices is also part of presentation. (Acta gastroenterol. belg., 2004, 67, 351-354)