Massive hepatic necrosis and death following repeated isoflurane exposure: case report and review of the literature
Gelven, P.L.; Cina, S.J.; Lee, J.D.; Nichols, C.A.
American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology 17(1): 61-64
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 0195-7910 PMID: 8838473 Document Number: 456351
Multiple exposures to halothane have been shown to produce hepatic injury and subsequent hepatic failure often leading to death. Isoflurane, a related haloalkane, is considered a nonhepatotoxic alternative to halothane and its potential to cause injury has been greeted with skepticism. Described is a 30-year-old woman who developed hepatic failure and died after being exposed twice to isoflurane. Recent exposure to anesthetic agents must be considered when death is caused by massive hepatic necrosis.