Related Experiment Videos
CT manifestations of infectious mononucleosis
A J Garten1, D S Mendelson, K P Halton
1Department of Radiology, Mount Sinai Medical CUNY 10029-6574.
Insights
Infectious mononucleosis (IM) can present with CT scan findings that resemble lymphoma, including enlarged lymph nodes and spleen with lesions. This case highlights the importance of considering IM in differential diagnoses, even with unusual imaging results.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Oncology
Background:
- Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is typically diagnosed clinically and serologically.
- Computed tomography (CT) is not routinely used for IM diagnosis.
- Morphologic features of IM on CT scans are not well-documented.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old woman with IM presented with CT findings mimicking lymphoma.
- Observed CT findings included generalized lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly.
- Focal low-attenuation splenic lesions were noted on the CT scan.
Findings:
- The CT scan findings in this IM case were atypical.
- Generalized lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly are not commonly reported in IM.
- Focal splenic lesions on CT are a novel finding in infectious mononucleosis.
Implications:
- CT findings in IM can overlap with lymphoma, necessitating careful differential diagnosis.
- This case expands the understanding of IM's potential radiologic manifestations.
- Highlights the need to consider IM in patients with unexplained lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly, even with concerning CT findings.
Abstract:
A case of infectious mononucleosis (IM) which, on computed tomography (CT) scan, mimicked the morphologic features of lymphoma is reported. The CT findings in this case include generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, and focal low-attenuation splenic lesions in a fifty-three year old woman; these findings have not previously been described in patients with IM. This is most likely because IM is usually a clinical diagnosis confirmed by serologic testing. Imaging modalities such as CT scan have not routinely been utilized to support this diagnosis.