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Splenic Rupture in Infectious Mononucleosis: A Case Report
Ahmer A Longi1, Zubair Edakkavil1, Misbah Fazlani1
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, Dubai, ARE.
Cureus
|May 5, 2025
Summary
Splenic rupture is a rare but serious complication of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, also known as infectious mononucleosis (IM). This case highlights that splenic rupture can occur even with a normal-sized spleen, urging increased physician vigilance.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM), caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is typically a self-limiting illness.
- Severe complications, though rare, can include splenic rupture, a life-threatening event.
- Previous reports often associated splenic rupture in IM with splenomegaly (enlarged spleen).
Observation:
- This report details an atypical case of splenic rupture in a young adult diagnosed with IM.
- The patient's spleen was noted to be of normal size, contrary to previous observations.
- This presentation challenges the assumption that splenic enlargement is a prerequisite for rupture in IM.
Findings:
- Splenic rupture can occur in infectious mononucleosis irrespective of splenic size.
- This case underscores the variability in IM complications.
- Atraumatic splenic rupture is a critical consideration in IM patients.
Implications:
- Physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion for splenic rupture in all IM patients, regardless of spleen size.
- Prompt recognition and management are crucial to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with IM-related splenic rupture.
- This case contributes to a better understanding of rare EBV complications and emphasizes the need for vigilant clinical monitoring.
