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A rare case of infectious mononucleosis complicated by guillain-barre syndrome

Margaret Kennedy1, Mariya Apostolova

  • 1Division of Hematology/Oncology, The Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA.

Neurology International
|July 27, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare neurologic complication of infectious mononucleosis. This case report details a patient who fully recovered with supportive treatment after developing Guillain-Barre syndrome post-Epstein-Barr virus infection.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Infectious mononucleosis, a syndrome caused by Epstein-Barr virus, typically presents with fever, lymphadenopathy, and pharyngitis.
  • Neurologic complications are infrequent and often manifest late in the disease course.
  • Guillain-Barre syndrome is a rare but serious neurological complication associated with infectious mononucleosis.

Observation:

  • A 29-year-old male with no prior significant medical history presented with symptoms suggestive of infectious mononucleosis.
  • The patient was subsequently diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome following Epstein-Barr virus infection.
  • This presentation occurred relatively early in the disease course.

Findings:

  • The case highlights a rare instance of Guillain-Barre syndrome developing shortly after an Epstein-Barr virus infection.
  • The patient received supportive care for the neurological complication.
  • Complete recovery was achieved through prompt and appropriate management.

Implications:

  • This case underscores the importance of considering Guillain-Barre syndrome in patients with infectious mononucleosis, even with atypical timing.
  • Early recognition and supportive treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes in Guillain-Barre syndrome.
  • Further research may elucidate the precise mechanisms linking Epstein-Barr virus and Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Keywords:
Bell’s palsy Epstein-Barr virus.Guillain-Barre syndromeatypical lymphocytesinfectious mononucleosis

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