[Infectious mononucleosis and the risk of splenic rupture]

Infectious mononucleosis is a common and benign disease, affecting mainly teenagers and young adults. Patients with IM are often generally advised to restrain from physical exertion for a period of 6 months. We report one case of splenic rupture in a patient with IM which required emergency laparotomy and splenectomy and one case of splenic rupture which was managed with conservative treatment. We have retrospectively examined the 37 cases of IM admitted during the period 1990-1994 and found that liver function tests return to normal within eight weeks. We therefore advise that patients with IM and no abdominal discomfort should limit their physical activity during eight weeks of convalescence. Patients with IM and abdominal pain should be further examined, using imaging procedures.