An Atypical Presentation of Epstein-Barr Virus Associated Infectious Mononucleosis Mistaken for Pyelonephritis.

Infectious mononucleosis, a syndrome characterized by the triad of pharyngitis, fever, and lymphadenopathy, is caused in the majority of cases by Epstein-Barr virus and usually presents in adolescents and young adults. The disease is for the most part self-limited with full recovery; however, life-threatening complications can occur. Manifestations of Epstein-Barr virus associated infectious mononucleosis can be variable and at times atypical, leading to a delay in diagnosis and consequently unnecessary tests and treatment. We present a case of infectious mononucleosis from Epstein-Barr virus in a female college student who was admitted to the hospital with the initial diagnosis of pyelonephritis. This diagnosis was made based on an abnormal urinalysis, including the presence of white blood cells, red blood cells, and protein, in the setting of high fevers, cough, abdominal pain, left costovertebral tenderness, and an unexplained left neck mass. A monospot was negative two days prior. Renal involvement in Epstein-Barr virus infection is not common and bridges the spectrum from asymptomatic urinary abnormalities to acute renal failure, with acute interstitial nephritis being the most frequent pathological finding. Our patient received corticosteroids and albuterol for a worsening cough, in addition to supportive care. Despite steroid therapy, she developed a debilitating, protracted urticarial rash, also thought to be caused by the Epstein-Barr virus infection. Our case highlights the varied and complex constellation of findings sometimes seen in Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis. Like in our patient, pharyngitis, a part of the hallmark triad of symptoms characterizing infectious mononucleosis, is not always present, and the monospot may be negative. A high degree of suspicion, as well as recognition that multiple organ systems may be involved in Epstein-Barr virus associated infectious mononucleosis, is required to make the proper diagnosis.

Kien C ，Ganta K 《Cureus》

Infectious Mononucleosis: An Updated Review.

Infectious mononucleosis is common among adolescents and young adults. Although the majority of cases resolve spontaneously, life-threatening manifestations, and complications have been recognised. The purpose of this article is to familiarize clinicians with the clinical manifestations, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of infectious mononucleosis. A search was conducted in October 2022 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "infectious mononucleosis" OR "Epstein-Barr virus" OR "EBV". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the aforementioned search was used in the compilation of the present article. Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus, most commonly affects adolescents and adults aged 15 to 24 years. Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted primarily in saliva. Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by a triad of fever, tonsillar pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Fatigue may be profound but tends to resolve within three months. Periorbital and/or palpebral edema, typically bilateral, occurs in one-third of patients. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly occur in approximately 50% and 10% of cases, respectively. A skin rash, which is usually widely scattered, erythematous, and maculopapular, occurs in approximately 10 to 45% of cases. Peripheral blood leukocytosis is observed in most patients; lymphocytes make up at least 50% of the white blood cell differential count. Atypical lymphocytes constitute more than 10% of the total lymphocyte count. The classic test for infectious mononucleosis is the demonstration of heterophile antibodies. The monospot test is the most widely used method to detect the serum heterophile antibodies of infectious mononucleosis. When confirmation of the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is required in patients with mononucleosis-like illness and a negative mono-spot test, serologic testing for antibodies to viral capsid antigens is recommended. Infectious mononucleosis is a risk factor for chronic fatigue syndrome. Spontaneous splenic rupture occurs in 0.1 to 0.5% of patients with infectious mononucleosis and is potentially life-threatening. Treatment is mainly supportive. Reduction of activity and bed rest as tolerated are recommended. Patients should be advised to avoid contact sports or strenuous exercise for 8 weeks or while splenomegaly is still present. Most patients have an uneventful recovery. Infectious mononucleosis is generally a benign and self-limited disease. Prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments and to minimize complications. Splenic rupture is the most feared complication. As avoiding exposure to EBV is almost impossible, the most effective way to prevent EBV infection and infectious mononucleosis is the development of an effective, safe, and affordable EBV vaccine that can confer life-long immunity.

Leung AKC ，Lam JM ，Barankin B 《-》

Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis with acute epididymitis: a case report.

Infectious mononucleosis due to the Epstein-Barr virus is an infectious disease that causes the appearance of atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood; it mainly presents with fever, tonsillar pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. In addition to hepatitis, splenomegaly, and rashes, it can involve different organs. Here, a case of epididymitis as a rare complication in a patient with Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis was reported. A healthy 23-year-old man visited an outpatient clinic with fever and pharyngitis. Tonsillar pharyngitis, lymphadenopathy, atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood, liver dysfunction, and splenomegaly were observed. The patient was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis based on clinical signs. The next day, the patient developed left testicular pain and was immediately transferred to the emergency outpatient ward. Pain, redness, and swelling were observed in the left scrotum. Ultrasonography revealed swelling of the epididymis and increased blood flow, and the patient was hospitalized with a diagnosis of left epididymitis. The patient's symptoms improved with symptomatic treatment and was discharged on day 16 after admission. Changes in antibody titers established a definitive diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. Based on the disease course, the patient was also diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis associated with unilateral epididymitis. This is the first case report of Epstein-Barr virus-associated infectious mononucleosis complicated with acute epididymitis. Infectious mononucleosis can cause numerous organ-related complications; thus, physicians and healthcare workers should remain cognizant of Epstein-Barr virus-associated complications throughout the body and not just in the primary organs affected by infectious mononucleosis.

Sako K ，Kenzaka T ，Kumabe A 《BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES》

Epstein-Barr virus and its association with disease - a review of relevance to general practice.

Fugl A ，Andersen CL 《BMC Family Practice》

Bilateral upper eyelid swelling (Hoagland sign) in Epstein-Barr infectious mononucleosis: prospective experience.

The typical presentation of Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis includes fever, pharyngitis, measles-like rash, jaundice, and enlarged lymph nodes, liver, or spleen. A painless bilateral swelling of the upper eyelid, sometimes with drooping of the lateral aspect, may also occur. This sign, referred to as Hoagland sign, is not or only marginally mentioned in reviews and textbooks. Between 2019 and 2021, two of us evaluated all subjects with a positive acute Epstein-Barr virus serology for the typical signs of mononucleosis and for the possible existence of the Hoagland sign. During the mentioned period, the diagnosis of mononucleosis was made in 26 (14 females and 12 males) subjects aged from 9.0 to 33 years. The initial presentation included fever in 24, enlarged cervical lymph nodes in 23, pharyngitis in 21, a palpable liver in 7, a palpable spleen in 7, jaundice in 2, and a measles-like rash in 2 cases. The Hoagland sign was noted in 14 cases. Patients with and without Hoagland sign did not significantly differ with respect to age and sex. The Hoagland sign is an easily identifiable clinical sign that is common and likely helpful early in the course of Epstein-Barr virus infectious mononucleosis. There is a need to expand awareness of this sign among physicians.

Bronz G ，Zanetti BPESM ，Bianchetti MG ，Milani GP ，Lava SAG ，Neuhaus TJ ，Witschi A ，Kottanattu L ... -  《-》