Reye's syndrome in the adult: case report and review of the literature.

A 22-year-old male presented with a brief history of progressive encephalopathy. One week previously, he had developed an upper respiratory infection that resolved spontaneously and was followed by intractable vomiting. He had taken salicylates for several days during the viral syndrome. The diagnosis of Reye's syndrome was confirmed by hepatic histology. Aggressive conservative management was followed by complete metabolic and neurological recovery. There are fewer than 10 reported cases of Reye's syndrome in adults but this disease may be more common than is generally suspected. The diagnosis should be considered in patients presenting with emesis and obtundation, who have recently had a viral illness and exhibit elevated blood ammonia and transaminases with normal cerebrospinal fluid. Confirmation is achieved by liver biopsy. Therapy is directed toward aggressive reduction of increased intracranial pressure.