Spontaneous haemoperitoneum due to a ruptured intra-abdominal varix with cirrhosis: report of two cases

Spontaneous haemoperitoneum due to ruptured intra abdominal varices with cirrhosis is rare and the diagnosis is generally difficult. Two cases of spontaneous intraperitoneal bleeding due to ruptures varices with cirrhosis are reported. One case is a ruptured portal cavernome and the other one is a ruptured varix of the gastrosplenic ligament. The combination of hypovolemic shock with increasing abdominal girth should impose the diagnosis. This is a surgical emergency and the mortality rate is high.