Key result
Long-term oral amiodarone is linked to progressive hepatic density increases and fatal liver failure.
Case Report (n=1)
Amiodarone can cause fatal liver injury characterized by increased hepatic density on CT, emphasizing the need for lowest effective dosing and regular liver function monitoring.
Amiodarone is an antiarrhythmic drug that is widely used for atrial fibrillation and other refractory arrhythmias. Although beneficial, its long-term administration is associated with adverse effects on various organs. One patient presented with amiodarone-induced liver injury, which led to liver failure. Computed tomography revealed a gradual increase in hepatic density over a long period following the initiation of amiodarone. Despite the discontinuation of the drug, the patient developed hepatic encephalopathy and subsequently died. This outcome highlights the drug's extended half-life, which caused persistent end-organ damage even after its withdrawal. Drug titration to the lowest effective dose and careful monitoring of annual liver function tests are important.
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Kishimoto et al. (2024) conducted a case report in Amiodarone-induced liver injury (n=1). Oral Amiodarone was evaluated on Hepatic density increase and liver failure. Long-term oral amiodarone administration resulted in a gradual increase in hepatic density and fatal liver failure despite drug discontinuation.
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