Massive Cerebral Edema Associated with Fulminant Hepatic Failure in Acetaminophen Overdose

Cerebral edema may complicate the course of fulminant hepatic failure. Response to conventional therapy has been disappointing. We present a patient with fatal acetaminophen-induced fulminant hepatic failure, with signs and symptoms of cerebral edema, unresponsive to conventional medical therapy. Cranial decompression was carried out. A justification of the need for further evaluation of cranial decompression in such patients is presented.