FULMINANT HEPATIC-FAILURE SECONDARY TO CONGESTIVE HEART-FAILURE

Fulminant hepatic failure as consequence of congestive heart failure, without prolonged periods of hypotension preceding alteration in hepatic function, was reported in an elderly woman. Liver function was adversely effected on congestive heart failure. Hepatic ammonia clearance was impaired in cardiac failure and was diminished to the point of resulting in hepatic encephalopathy. Coagulopathy was a frequent concomitant of fulminant hepatic failure. Establishing a clear etiology for a coagulopathy in the face of concomitant liver disease was difficult, thus making any therapeutic intervention difficult.