COMPLICATIONS OF INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS

Abstract

Infectious mononucleosis associated with encephalitis, hemiplegia and coma, in an 18 year old male, with complete recovery after supportive therapy is reported. The complications of infectious mononucleosis are believed to be the result of lymphocytic and mononuclear cell infiltration into the various organs and tissues of the body. At least 64 cases reported with neurological complications have now been reported. Attention should be drawn here to encephalitis which may include such severe symptoms as staggering, ataxia, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, aphasia, as well as hemiplegia and coma. Acute polyneuritis or the Guillain-Barre'' syndrome may develop. Four deaths have been reported with this complication. The most common cause of death from infectious mononucleosis has been the bleeding from an enlarged ruptured spleen. Jaundice from hepato cellular damage will occur in a small percentage of the cases and provoke a differential diagnosis of hepatic disease. Infectious mononucleosis is one known cause for the non-specific or idiopathic pericarditis. The enlarged mesenteric lymphnodes may produce pain and closely simulate appendicitis; the differ- ential count here is commonly the only indication of the correct diagnosis. Any type of rash may accompany the disease such as macular, urticarial, morbilliform and hemorrhagic rashes. The rash has no correlation with the course or severity of the illness. The illness may rarely be accompanied by severe anemia or thrombocytopenic purpura.