Pancreatitis and Reye's syndrome

G. H. Ellis, L. D. Mirkin and M. C. Mills

A review of 18 cases of Reye's syndrome autopsied at Indiana University Hospital since 1970 was done to document pancreatic lesions associated with the syndrome. A spectrum of inflammatory lesions was identified and grouped into four categories: group 1, no changes; group 2, minimal microscopic changes; group 3, moderate changes, ie, focal necrosis, exudates, or congestion; and group 4, severe acute pancreatitis. Patients in group 4 often had clinical or laboratory data suggesting the onset of pancreatitis after hospitalization. Acute pancreatitis is associated with Reye's syndrome, and patients should be monitored for its development. Hypotension, hypocalcemia, and glucose lability may herald the onset of acute pancreatitis in these patients.