General description

Reye's syndrome is an infrequent yet severe condition with an undetermined cause, characterized by acute encephalopathy, fatty infiltration of the liver, and presenting a significant threat to life, particularly in children who consume aspirin following an influenza or varicella infection.

The clinical manifestation of Reye's syndrome exhibits considerable variability. Initially, it presents with symptoms indicative of a viral infection, such as upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, or occasionally varicella. This is succeeded, 5 to 7 days later, by the abrupt onset of intense nausea and vomiting. Subsequently, within a day, the patient may experience lethargy, confusion, disorientation, and agitation. These alterations in mental status result from elevated intracranial pressure, which may progress to convulsive seizures, coma, and potentially death.

Radiographic features

T2WI and FLAIR hyperintensity

Abnormalities on T2WI in the thalamus, midbrain, pons, as well as diffuse edema have been reported. Diffusion restriction is also noted in the thalamus.