[Fulminant hepatic failure in malignant liver disease]. / Fulminant leversvikt ved malign leversykdom.

BACKGROUND: Fulminant hepatic failure is a rare disorder. Patients should be evaluated for liver transplantation. Malignant liver disease has been reported to cause the condition and this possibility should be excluded prior to listing the patient for transplantation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We present four patients with this condition caused by malignant liver disease. INTERPRETATION: Fulminant hepatic failure may be caused by diffuse and massive infiltration of malignant cells in the liver. If a regular liver biopsy cannot be obtained due to severe coagulopathy, bone marrow aspiration and fine needle aspiration from the liver should be performed.