Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
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Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
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[A girl with bilateral periorbital edema]
Mark R Garrelfs1, Jeroen R M Romeijn, Jan W C M Heynens
1Zuyderland Medisch Centrum, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Sittard.
Nederlands Tijdschrift Voor Geneeskunde
|October 16, 2015
Summary
Painless swelling around the eyes, known as bilateral periorbital edema, can signal an active Epstein-Barr virus infection, also called Pfeiffer
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Bilateral periorbital edema is a common clinical sign in pediatric patients.
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, or Pfeiffer's disease, typically presents with fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy.
- The association between EBV infection and periorbital edema is not widely recognized.
Observation:
- An 11-year-old female presented with a week of painless, bilateral periorbital edema.
- Accompanying symptoms included fever, headache, and malaise.
Findings:
- Serological tests confirmed an active Epstein-Barr virus infection three days after presentation.
- The diagnosis of Pfeiffer's disease was established.
Implications:
- Bilateral periorbital edema can be an early, presenting manifestation of Epstein-Barr virus infection.
- Clinicians should consider EBV infection in the differential diagnosis of pediatric periorbital edema.
- This finding highlights the diverse clinical presentations of Epstein-Barr virus and the importance of considering less common symptoms.
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