A case report of full recovery from severe cerebral edema secondary to acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in a 13 year old girl.

BACKGROUND: Acetaminophen is a common cause of acute liver failure in pediatrics. Cerebral edema is a significant complication of acute hepatic failure and is associated with increased mortality.

CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of a 13 -year old girl with severe cerebral edema secondary to acetaminophen toxicity and hepatic failure. Her poor neurological status precluded her from liver transplantation and withdrawal of life sustaining treatment was recommended. However, with supportive care, she remarkably made a full recovery.

CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights the difficulties surrounding prognostication in pediatric patients with cerebral edema from acute liver failure secondary to acetaminophen toxicity.