[Cerebral complications in chronic acetylsalicylic acid poisoning]

A 60-year-old woman who for many years had been taking salicylate-containing tablets for headaches, was admitted to hospital, in a somnolent state, because of increasing weakness, tiredness, memory and speech disorders, and tinnitus. Laboratory tests revealed a decompensated metabolic acidosis (pH 7.25), renal insufficiency (creatinine 2.3 mg/dl) and a decreased Quick value (63%). Whole-blood acetylsalicylic acid concentration was markedly elevated to 330 micrograms/ml. After treatment of the acidosis with bicarbonate and forced diuresis she at first regained consciousness, but clouding of consciousness again occurred eight hours later progressing to coma with unequal pupils and seizure potentials in the electroencephalogram. Status epilepticus without motor component was diagnosed, perhaps the result of a dysequilibrium of acid-base balance between blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The signs and symptoms were quickly reversed under treatment with clonazepam.