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[The neck cysts and infectious mononucleosis due to cytomegalovirus]
G Plaza Mayor1, J Ferrando, M Casas
1Unidad ORL, Fundación Hospital, Alcorcón. gmayor@ctv.es
Abstract:
Infectious mononucleosis is usually produced as primoinfection by Epstein-Barr virus, but the second most common cause is cytomegalovirus. Clinical presentation of infectious mononucleosis is a pharyngitis and tonsillitis, associated to neck nodes, fever and general malaise, as well as haematological features such as an absolute lymphomonocytosis. Occasionally it is the neck node that is more severe, even without initial lymphomonocytosis. We report a deep neck abscess within a neck node as subacute presentation of infectious mononucleosis by cytomegalovirus. We review the clinical presentation of infectious mononucleosis, specially due to cytomegalovirus, as well as the importance that this disease could have while dealing with diagnosis and management of neck masses.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus can cause infectious mononucleosis, presenting as a deep neck abscess. This case highlights the importance of considering cytomegalovirus in diagnosing neck masses.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis is typically caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the second most common cause of infectious mononucleosis.
- Classic symptoms include pharyngitis, tonsillitis, fever, malaise, and lymphadenopathy, with characteristic hematological changes.
Observation:
- A deep neck abscess developed within a cervical lymph node.
- This presentation was subacute and associated with cytomegalovirus infection.
- The lymphadenopathy was severe, occurring without initial lymphomonocytosis.
Findings:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) can manifest as infectious mononucleosis.
- Deep neck abscess is an uncommon but possible presentation of CMV mononucleosis.
- Diagnosis and management of neck masses require consideration of infectious etiologies like CMV.
Implications:
- Highlights the diagnostic challenge of CMV mononucleosis presenting as neck masses.
- Emphasizes the need for broader differential diagnoses in cases of severe lymphadenopathy.
- Informs clinical practice regarding the recognition and workup of unusual presentations of common viral infections.