In vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a case of Reye's syndrome

A case of a 14-year-old boy with Reye's syndrome (RS) and complete neurologic recovery is presented. 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy was performed on days 1 (admission to ICU), 8 and 62: During the acute phase of RS substantial cerebral metabolic imbalances were observed and their normalization monitored. The spectra from day 1 featured extremely high glutamine content (approximately 18 mmol/kg excess) and low concentrations of choline compounds pounds (approximately 1 mmol/kg deficit). Also some excess lactate was present. The subsequent spectra demonstrated the return to an almost normal brain metabolite profile.