Reye's syndrome in adults. A case report and review of the literature

Adult Reye's syndrome (ARS) is an infrequently diagnosed condition that typically affects patients younger than age 35 years. We describe a 61-year-old man with ARS occurring after influenza B-USSR infection and aspirin use. The diagnosis of ARS was confirmed by oil-red-O stain of liver biopsy tissue and subsequent electron microscopy. We review the literature on ARS and compare the clinical features and management of ARS with pediatric Rye's syndrome. This case is of interest to practitioners treating adult patients because it demonstrates that the patient population at risk for Reye's syndrome is broader than generally believed.