[An autopsied case of chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection with various symptom]

A 19-year-old boy, who complained of fever and fatigue was hospitalized in November 1986. On physical examination, he had a temperature of 37 degrees C, cervical lymphadenopathy and hepatosplenomegaly. Serum transaminase was elevated moderately, while serum alkaline-phosphatase was elevated severely. Extremely elevated antibody titers to the EBV capsid antigen (IgG: 2560x, IgA: 160x), early antigen (IgG: 1280x, IgA: 160x) and nuclear antigen (160x) were noted. PPD and DNCB skin test were negative. Severe mobilization of Kupfer cells and mild proliferation of pseudoductule were seen in liver biopsied specimen. Cervical lymphnode biopsy showed necrotizing lymphadenitis associated with proliferation of histiocyte. In February 1987 his temperature was elevated to 40 degrees C and he had arthralgia and exanthema. Intravenous Acyclovir (500 mg every 8 hours) and Interferon alpha (6 million u/day) were administered together for 1 month. After that he improved for about a week. In March 1987 he had dyspnea. Arterial blood gas analysis in room air showed a PO2 of 51.8 mmHg, a PCO2 of 28.9 mmHg. A chest radiograph showed thickening of bilateral bronchial walls and obscurity of pulmonary vascular shadows. The effects of transfer factor and Interleukin-2 were unremarkable. High antibody titers to EBV, liver dysfunction and hypo-oxygenemia continued. He died of respiratory and heart failure on 24 October 1987. The most interesting finding of autopsied specimens was stenosis of pulmonary artery associated with interstitial pneumonitis. Hemophagocytosis was seen in liver, spleen and bone marrow.