Infectious mononucleosis presenting as upper airway obstruction

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Infectious Diseases
• Otolaryngology
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Infectious mononucleosis, a common viral illness, can present with diverse complications.
• Upper airway obstruction is an uncommon but serious manifestation of infectious mononucleosis.
• Stridor in children necessitates a broad differential diagnosis, including less common causes.

Observation:

• A three-year-old child presented with stridor, indicative of upper airway obstruction.
• The child was diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis as the underlying cause.
• Initial presentation did not immediately suggest infectious mononucleosis as the etiology of stridor.

Findings:

• Infectious mononucleosis was identified as the cause of upper airway obstruction in this pediatric patient.
• Conservative management, including oxygen, intravenous fluids, and corticosteroids, proved effective.
• The obstruction resolved without the need for more invasive interventions.

Implications:

• Clinicians should consider infectious mononucleosis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric stridor, even when not initially suspected.
• Conservative management strategies can be successful in resolving infectious mononucleosis-induced upper airway obstruction.
• Early recognition and appropriate supportive care are crucial for managing this rare complication.