The liver can bleed in several locations, primarily within its substance, under its capsule, or into the abdominal cavity.
Bleeding from the liver can occur in the following areas:
- Subcapsular Space: Hematomas, or collections of blood, can form under the liver's capsule (the outer covering) due to blunt trauma. The reference indicates that compression can cause these hematomas to burst into this area.
- Within the Liver Tissue (Parenchyma): Injury to the liver can cause bleeding directly into the liver tissue itself. This is often seen in cases of trauma.
- Into the Peritoneal Space: If the liver capsule ruptures, blood can leak into the peritoneal space, which is the space within the abdomen containing the abdominal organs. This can lead to hemorrhagic shock and abdominal compartment syndrome, as mentioned in the provided reference.
Therefore, liver bleeding can occur in the subcapsular area, within the liver tissue itself, or into the peritoneal space if the liver capsule is breached. The specific location and severity of the bleeding depend on the nature and extent of the liver injury.
