Rare case of hepatic haematoma following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly used diagnostic and therapeutic technique but it is not free of complications. Subcapsular hepatic haematoma is a rare but potentially fatal complication. A 71-years-old male patient resorted to the emergency department 36 hours after an uneventful ERCP presenting with severe abdominal pain and haemoglobin drop. Abdominal ultrasound and CT scan diagnosed a subcapsular hepatic haematoma. The patient was haemodynamically normal and was successfully treated with a conservative management. Signs and symptoms of hepatic haematoma following ERCP are non-specific. The most common symptom is abdominal pain. Abdominal CT, ultrasound or MRI make the diagnosis. Conservative management is possible if the patient is stable, nevertheless invasive treatment such as surgery or angiographic embolisation, may be required. A low threshold of suspicion is crucial for an early diagnosis and treatment. Fatal cases have been described but most patients have a favourable outcome.