Cold-induced urticaria in infectious mononucleosis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Dermatology
• Virology

Background:

• Infectious mononucleosis is a common viral illness.
• Cold-induced urticaria is a physical urticaria triggered by cold exposure.
• Cryoglobulinemia involves abnormal proteins in the blood that precipitate in cold temperatures.

Observation:

• A patient presented with symptoms of cold-induced urticaria.
• The patient was concurrently diagnosed with infectious mononucleosis.
• Serum analysis revealed the presence of cryoglobulins.

Findings:

• This case represents the first documented instance of cold-induced urticaria associated with infectious mononucleosis.
• The presence of cryoglobulins suggests a potential pathomechanism linking the viral infection to the urticarial reaction.

Implications:

• This finding may broaden the understanding of physical urticarias and their potential viral triggers.
• Further research could explore the role of cryoglobulinemia in other viral infections.
• Clinical awareness of this association may aid in diagnosing and managing similar cases.