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Case report: Infectious mononucleosis in a 41-year-old man
Postgraduate Medicine
|February 1, 1978
Abstract:
A 41-year-old man was found to have infectious mononucleosis, a disease frequently overlooked in patients of this age group. The symptoms and signs observed in this patient are seen in less than 10% of patients with this disease: arthralgia, epistaxis, jaundice, skin rash, and pneumonitis. Although mildly depressed platelet counts are common in patients with infectious mononucleosis, the count in this patient was markedly depressed.
Insights
Infectious mononucleosis is often missed in adults. This case highlights rare symptoms like jaundice and pneumonitis, along with severe thrombocytopenia, in an adult patient.
Area of Science:
- Internal Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is typically diagnosed in adolescents and young adults.
- Diagnosis in older adults can be challenging due to atypical presentations.
Observation:
- A 41-year-old man presented with symptoms uncommon in infectious mononucleosis.
- Observed symptoms included arthralgia, epistaxis, jaundice, skin rash, and pneumonitis.
- The patient exhibited a markedly depressed platelet count.
Findings:
- The case demonstrates a rare presentation of infectious mononucleosis in an adult.
- Key atypical findings were arthralgia, epistaxis, jaundice, rash, pneumonitis, and severe thrombocytopenia.
- These symptoms collectively occur in less than 10% of IM cases.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of considering infectious mononucleosis in adult patients with unusual symptoms.
- Suggests that severe thrombocytopenia can be a significant indicator of IM in older age groups.
- Emphasizes the need for broader diagnostic considerations for infectious mononucleosis beyond typical demographics.
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