Sudden death due to hemoperitoneum following rupture of cirrhosis-related mesenteric varices

AbstractVarices are caused by increased hemodynamic stress on venous channels due to portal hypertension complicating cirrhosis. Although esophageal varices are the most common site of variceal rupture in cirrhosis, mesenteric variceal rupture causing hemoperitoneum is a rare but fatal complication. There are three similar previously reported cases in the literature. We report a fatal case of hemoperitoneum in a woman caused by spontaneous rupture of mesenteric varices as a result of cirrhosis due to chronic alcoholism. The original site of hemorrhage may remain obscure if the lesion is subtle and overlooked. Therefore a diligent search for mesenteric varices is indicated in all cases with unexplained hemoperitoneum