Coroner's Finding: EVANS Wendy Marion

76y · Female·end-stage liver failure with encephalopathy due to hepatic cirrhosis

Wendy Marion Evans, aged 76, died from end-stage liver failure with encephalopathy due to hepatic cirrhosis. She presented with acute psychosis in February 2015 and was found to have extensive cerebrovascular disease, severe cerebellar ataxia, and severe hepatic cirrhosis. She contracted norovirus during hospitalisation and developed acute renal failure. She was managed under Mental Health Act orders and received palliative care. The coroner found the medical care to be excellent with no concerns identified. Her mental health detention was lawful and appropriate. Clinical lessons include the importance of comprehensive assessment in patients with behavioural changes, recognising that presentation may reflect organic disease (cerebrovascular and hepatic) rather than primary psychiatric illness.