【Abstract】ObjectiveTo study the mechanism of spontaneous rupture of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MethodsArticles have been reviewed to find out the theory of spontaneous rupture of HCC. ResultsResearchful results suggested that the injury of small arteries was usually followed in patients of spontaneous rupture of HCC. In this review, the immune complex, which composed of hepatitis B virus e antigen, complement C1q and immunoglobulins, was found deposited in the elastic membrane of arteries. Likely as a result of immune complex deposition, vascular injury occurs mainly in the small arteries where the deposition of immune complex was present. The small arteries in which immune complex deposited are readily injuried and cause hemorrhage and rupture of HCC during vascular load increase. ConclusionWe would conclude that immune complex deposition in vessel wall led to the small arteries injury may be the factor involved in the pathogenesis of spontaneous ruptured HCC.