The pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of acute hepatic encephalopathy.

Acute hepatic encephalopathy is a disorder linked between the 2 most complex organs of the body and is clearly an integral aspect of acute liver failure. Its presence defines fulminant hepatic failure and its progression reflects the prognosis. For the scientist, the pathophysiology of this syndrome is a fascinating and active area of research, bridging numerous independent disciplines in new and creative ways. For the clinician, acute hepatic encephalopathy invokes its due respect as a challenging aspect of the syndrome of fulminant liver failure.