Exudative ascites complicating infectious mononucleosis

A case of Epstein-Barr virus mononucleosis with the unusual complication of exudative ascites is presented. The patient was a 22-yr-old man with the typical symptoms and physical findings of hepatitis secondary to infectious mononucleosis. Extensive evaluation including liver biopsy, failed to show another cause for the patient's ascites. The ascites and hepatitis disappeared with resolution of the acute mononucleosis infection. He is well 12 months after this illness with no evidence for chronic liver disease. This case adds to the list of causes for exudative ascites associated with acute hepatitis.