Adult Reye's syndrome

Abstract

A 40-year-old woman with a history of alcohol abuse, drug-related suicide attempts, and depression presented with a flu-like illness, vomiting, and changes in mentation. On admission, therapeutic blood levels of salicylates, trazadone, and acetaminophen were found. A tentative diagnosis of a psychotic crisis with possible superimposed drug overdose was made. The etiology of the patient's acute encephalopathy remained unclear until a plasma ammonia and liver biopsy established the diagnosis of Reye's syndrome. The patient was given supportive therapy and recovered completely.