Liver Necrosis after Halothane Anesthesia

IN 1956, after extensive pharmacologic studies, a new, potent and nonexplosive volatile anesthetic agent, halothane (Fluothane), or 2-bromo-2-chloro-1,1,1-trifluoroethane, was introduced into clinical practice.1 , 2 Today, it is one of the most popular and widely used of all inhalation anesthetics. The danger that this compound, in common with other halogenated hydrocarbons such as chloroform, tribromoethanol and carbon tetrachloride, might damage the liver has been recognized, but to date only a handful of cases of possible halothane-induced toxic hepatitis have been reported.3 4 5 6 7 Two additional cases occurring in the practice of one of us (C.M.B.) are the subject of this report.Case ReportsCase . . .