Fulminant hepatic failure after methotrexate and PUVA therapy for psoriasis

Acute hepatic failure developed after 8-methoxypsoralen and ultraviolet irradiation for psoriasis in a patient with prior methotrexate-induced cirrhosis. Review of the literature and the temporal relationship between 8-methoxypsoralen and hepatic injury in our patient suggests it may be a direct hepatotoxin. In our report, submassive necrosis superimposed on cirrhosis appears to have produced hepatic failure.