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A case of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses as a complication of acute mononucleosis
Eric O Gomez Urena1, Jessica Sheehy1, Ivaylo Krastev2
1Department of Medicine/Infectious Diseases, Mayo Clinic Health System, Mankato, MN 56001, United States.
Abstract:
Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a relatively common infection in healthy young patients with few complications. Here we present a case of severe IM complicated with extensive bilateral peritonsillar abscesses. Clinicians should be aware of this complication of IM in patients with persistent or progressive symptoms. Epstein-Barr virus is a herpes virus that causes infectious mononucleosis (IM) in young adults. Symptoms are usually sore throat, lymphadenopathy, fever, and malaise Sylvester et al. [1]. IM has been associated with complications such as hemolytic anemia, myocarditis, splenic rupture, thrombocytopenia, hepatitis, etc Sylvester et al. [1]. There have been reports of suppurative processes involving the tonsils such as intratonsillar or peritonsillar abscesses, but these seem to be rare complications. Herein, we present a case of bilateral peritonsillar abscesses in a patient with severe mononucleosis.
Insights
Severe infectious mononucleosis (IM) can rarely lead to bilateral peritonsillar abscesses. This case highlights the importance of recognizing this serious complication in patients with persistent IM symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Otolaryngology
- Virology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM), caused by Epstein-Barr virus, is common in young adults.
- IM typically presents with sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy, usually with few complications.
- Known IM complications include anemia, myocarditis, splenic rupture, and hepatitis.
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