Epstein-Barr Virus-Related Infectious Mononucleosis Accompanied by Cholestatic Hepatitis
Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is a common infection in young adults. It typically presents with a self-limiting course characterized by fevers, pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. While mildly elevated liver enzymes are a common complication, cholestatic hepatitis and clinical jaundice are rare in EBV infection. This report describes the case of a young woman who developed EBV-related infectious mononucleosis, accompanied by cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice. The patient presented with fever, sore throat, and whitish, loose stools. She exhibited yellowing of ocular conjunctivae and skin, enlarged tonsils with white patches, and palpable liver. Laboratory findings showed leukocytosis with atypical lymphocytes, hyperbilirubinemia, and significantly elevated liver enzymes. A computed tomography scan revealed hepatosplenomegaly and subserosal gallbladder edema. The patient was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis, complicated with cholestatic hepatitis and jaundice. Serologic testing confirmed the presence of EBV infection. Her condition and laboratory results improved without specific treatment. Infectious mononucleosis due to EBV, though rarely presenting with jaundice, should be considered in young individuals with fever and sore throat to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary investigations.
Authors
- Hiroaki Nishioka (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7619-0646)
- Norihiko Kitagawa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1629-5857)
Institutions
- Kobe City Medical Center General Hospital (JP)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2025-07-20
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.88392
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Viral-associated cancers and disorders
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 2.09