Infectious Mononucleosis: An Updated Review.

BACKGROUND: Infectious mononucleosis is common among adolescents and young adults. Although the majority of cases resolve spontaneously, life-threatening manifestations, and complications have been recognised. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to familiarize clinicians with the clinical manifestations, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of infectious mononucleosis. METHODS: A search was conducted in October 2022 in PubMed Clinical Queries using the key terms "infectious mononucleosis" OR "Epstein-Barr virus" OR "EBV". The search strategy included all clinical trials, observational studies, and reviews published within the past 10 years. Only papers published in the English literature were included in this review. The information retrieved from the aforementioned search was used in the compilation of the present article. RESULTS: Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus, most commonly affects adolescents and adults aged 15 to 24 years. Epstein-Barr virus is transmitted primarily in saliva. Infectious mononucleosis is characterized by a triad of fever, tonsillar pharyngitis, and lymphadenopathy. Fatigue may be profound but tends to resolve within three months. Periorbital and/or palpebral edema, typically bilateral, occurs in one-third of patients. Splenomegaly and hepatomegaly occur in approximately 50% and 10% of cases, respectively. A skin rash, which is usually widely scattered, erythematous, and maculopapular, occurs in approximately 10 to 45% of cases. Peripheral blood leukocytosis is observed in most patients; lymphocytes make up at least 50% of the white blood cell differential count. Atypical lymphocytes constitute more than 10% of the total lymphocyte count. The classic test for infectious mononucleosis is the demonstration of heterophile antibodies. The monospot test is the most widely used method to detect the serum heterophile antibodies of infectious mononucleosis. When confirmation of the diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis is required in patients with mononucleosis-like illness and a negative mono-spot test, serologic testing for antibodies to viral capsid antigens is recommended. Infectious mononucleosis is a risk factor for chronic fatigue syndrome. Spontaneous splenic rupture occurs in 0.1 to 0.5% of patients with infectious mononucleosis and is potentially life-threatening. Treatment is mainly supportive. Reduction of activity and bed rest as tolerated are recommended. Patients should be advised to avoid contact sports or strenuous exercise for 8 weeks or while splenomegaly is still present. Most patients have an uneventful recovery. CONCLUSION: Infectious mononucleosis is generally a benign and self-limited disease. Prompt diagnosis is essential to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatments and to minimize complications. Splenic rupture is the most feared complication. As avoiding exposure to EBV is almost impossible, the most effective way to prevent EBV infection and infectious mononucleosis is the development of an effective, safe, and affordable EBV vaccine that can confer life-long immunity.

Complement-Mediated Thrombotic Microangiopathy and Spontaneous Splenic Rupture Associated With Cytomegalovirus Infection.

This is a case report of a previously healthy female patient with complement-mediated thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) caused by a systemic cytomegalovirus infection that was successfully treated with plasmapheresis, steroids, and parenteral valganciclovir. Complement-mediated TMA is the result of various genetic mutations leading to complement abnormalities with overactivation of alternate complement pathway in response to a triggering infection. She also had splenic rupture without splenomegaly and was managed successfully without splenectomy.

[A viral splenic rupture]. / L'image du mois. Une rupture splénique d'origine virale.

A 28-year-old patient is admitted in the emergency department for management of localized pain in the left hypochondrium and left flank that appeared 48 hours before his visit to the emergency room. At the same time, the patient describes the presence of fever, odynophagia and myalgia present for 8 days. The clinical examination highlights the presence of multiple upper cervical and submandibular bilateral and soft adenopathies of about 1.5 cm. There is also an abdominal defense at the level of the left hypochondrium and the left flank. The exploration will attest the presence of a primary EBV infection associated with a splenic rupture complicated by hemoperitoneum without hemodynamic repercussions. This clinical case illustrates the presence of a rare and potentially fatal complication following a very common disease, infectious mononucleosis.

Un patient de 28 ans se présente au service des urgences pour prise en charge d'une douleur localisée au niveau de l'hypochondre gauche et du flanc gauche, apparue 48h avant son passage aux urgences. Parallèlement, le patient décrit la présence de fièvre, d'une odynophagie et de myalgies présentes depuis 8 jours. L'examen clinique met en évidence la présence de multiples adénopathies cervicales supérieures et sous-mandibulaires bilatérales et molles d'environ 1.5 cm. On note également une défense abdominale au niveau de l'hypochondre gauche et du flanc gauche. Le bilan attestera la présence d'une primo-infection à EBV associée à une rupture splénique compliquée d'un hémopéritoine sans répercussion hémodynamique. Ce cas clinique illustre la présence d'une complication rare et potentiellement mortelle au décours d'une infection très fréquente qu'est la mononucléose infectieuse.

[Littoral cell angioma]. / Dongasejtes angioma.

Splenic rupture secondary to blunt trauma is a common condition. Non-traumatic, also known as spontaneous or pathological splenic rupture is an uncommon, but potentially life-threatening condition. Spontaneous splenic rupture caused by a primary splenic tumor is rare. In this case study, we present a special, benign tumor causing splenic rupture. Our 78-year-old female patient was hospitalized due to left shoulder pain and chest discomfort. Her blood pressure was low, the laboratory tests showed anemia, and the chest CT scan involving also the upper abdomen raised the suspicion of a splenic rupture. During the emergency splenectomy, there was a large amount of blood in the abdominal cavity. Macroscopic pathological examination of the removed spleen showed multifocal cystic lesions that led to splenic rupture. Immunhistochemical analyses revealed a littoral cell angioma. Littoral cell angioma is a rare, benign vascular tumor of the spleen, which is thought to originate from the red pulp sinuses lined with littoral cells. The aim of our report is to describe an unusual cause of sudden splenic rupture without traumatic history, the histologically benign littoral cell angioma that has not been published in Hungary. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(10): 393-397.

Spontaneous splenic rupture due to falciparum malaria successfully treated with a conservative approach.

Malaria is frequently associated with splenomegaly. However, spontaneous splenic rupture is a rare and life-threatening complication. It is mostly seen in acute infection in non-immune adults and Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum have been associated with the majority of cases. We describe a case of splenic rupture in an adult with complicated malaria by Plasmodium falciparum in which a conservative approach was used.

Atraumatic splenic rupture in COVID-19 era: case report and systematic literature review.

Atraumatic splenic rupture is a rare but life-threatening condition. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is still a mysterious infection, often associated with spontaneous bleeding and coagulation disorders. Among them, a rare presentation is the atraumatic splenic rupture during SARS-CoV-2 infection. We reported the case of a COVID-19 patient that underwent splenectomy for a spontaneous splenic rupture without splenomegaly or any hematological disorders. Moreover, we reviewed the literature about this matter focusing on the hypothetical etiopathogenesis of this condition in COVID-19 patients. Twelve cases of atraumatic splenic rupture without splenomegaly were reported in ten papers. Coughing, respiratory tract infections and anticoagulant treatment were postulated as the main risk factors for the spontaneous splenic rupture. COVID-19 is still a not well-known disease with multiple clinical presentations. The spontaneous splenic rupture is uncommon in general population but this event should not be neglected in this particular subset of patients.

[Low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin to prevent perioperative venous thromboembolism in patients with splenic rupture and lower extremity fracture].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin for perioperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with lower extremity fracture after splenectomy. Methods: The clinical data of 50 patients with splenic rupture combined with lower extremity fracture between January 2009 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were given enoxaparin sodium at 48 hours after splenectomy, and stopped at 24 hours before fracture surgery. After fracture surgery, the patients were divided into aspirin group (group A, 15 cases), low molecular weight heparin group (group B, 16 cases), and low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin group (group C, 19 cases) according to different anticoagulation regimens. The treatment course was 28 days. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, fracture site, time from injury to operation, complications, and other general data between groups ( P>0.05). The occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was observed; hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), D-D dimer, and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) were recorded before operation and at 1, 3, and 7 days after operation, and the effect of anticoagulation regimen on coagulation function was observed. The incidences of wound complications and bleeding related complications were recorded, and the total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss were calculated. Results: The incidences of VTE in groups A, B, and C were 13.33% (2/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 5.26% (1/19), respectively, and there was no significant difference between groups ( χ 2=0.770, P=0.680). There was no portal vein thrombosis and no VTE-related death in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in the levels of Hb, PLT, D-D dimer, and FDP between groups before and after operation ( P>0.05); and there was no significant difference in total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss between groups ( P>0.05). No local skin necrosis was found in all patients. In group A, 1 case occurred redness and swelling of incision; in group B, 1 case had incision discharge, redness, and swelling, and 1 case had fat liquefaction; in group C, 1 case had repeated incision exudation accompanied by local tissue redness and swelling, and 1 case had local hematoma. The incidences of adverse incision in groups A, B, and C were 6.66% (1/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 11.76% (2/19), respectively, with no significant difference ( χ 2=0.302, P=0.860). There were 4 cases of bleeding related complications, including 1 case of incision ecchymosis in groups A and B respectively, with the incidence of 6.66% and 6.25%, respectively; there was 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of bleeding in group C, with the incidence of 11.76%; showing no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding related complications between groups ( χ 2=0.268, P=0.875). Conclusion: Perioperative combined use of low molecular weight heparin and aspirin for prevention of anticoagulation in patients with splenic rupture and lower extremity fracture can effectively prevent the occurrence of VTE without increasing the incidence of complications, which is an effective and safe treatment method. However, whether the incidence of VTE can be reduced needs to be further studied by expanding the sample size.

Rare cause of spontaneous spleen bleeding: a case report and literature review.

Rupture of the spleen is a serious medical condition manifesting as a sudden abdominal event, potentially life-threatening. Spontaneous spleen rupture is a rare condition. Atraumatic rupture of the spleen is a very unlikely condition. Risk factors include splenomegaly, hemato-oncological diseases, and infections, such as malaria or infectious mononucleosis. Extremely rare is splenic rupture described in autoimmune disease or vasculitis. There has been no reported case of spontaneous splenic rupture as a first manifestation of Churg- Strauss syndrome so far.

Spontaneous splenic rupture as the first clinical manifestation of Niemann-Pick disease type B: A case report and review of the literature.

Splenomegaly is the most common phenotype for Niemann-Pick disease type B (NPD-B), an autosomal recessive lipid storage disease caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme acid sphingomyelinase. Although a spleen of massive volume is common in NPD-B, splenic rupture in this disease is rarely reported. We describe a patient with NPD-B who initially presented with spontaneous splenic rupture. Microscopic examination of the spleen specimen revealed expansion of the red pulp by abundant foamy histiocytes. A literature review revealed that splenic rupture resulting from latent splenomegaly may occur in middle adulthood in a mild form of NPD-B associated with SMPD1 variants of lower pathogenicity. We suggest that unexplained splenomegaly or splenic rupture should raise the possibility of a lysosomal storage disease, including NPD. For patients with NPD-B, spleen size should be evaluated periodically, and the risk of splenic rupture should always be considered.

Ruptura atraumática del bazo como forma de presentación de la una amilosis AL en un paciente joven / Spontaneous non-traumatic splenic rupture as a presentation form of light chain amyloidosis. Report of one case

We report a 35-year-old sportive man who was admitted to the emergency department for worsening of acute spontaneous abdominal pain appearing at rest. He only referred having lifted a tree trunk the day before, but he was used to perform such physical efforts. The clinical course at the emergency department was marked by the development of severe anemia secondary to a progressive splenic hematoma and acute pulmonary distress. The patient benefited from total splenectomy. Laboratory data showed hypogammaglobulinemia, proteinuria and the anatomopathological examinations of both spleen and kidneys were consistent with light chain amyloidosis.

ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) secondary to splenic rupture after colonoscopy.

We have read with interest the recently published case on splenic rupture after colonoscopy. Although this complication is being observed more frequently, in the case presented here, the particularity lies in the myocardial ischemia caused as a consequence of stasis at coronary level, determining a situation of extreme gravity, a diagnostic challenge and a therapeutic emergency.

[Spontaneous non-traumatic splenic rupture as a presentation form of light chain amyloidosis. Report of one case]. / Ruptura atraumática del bazo como forma de presentación de la una amilosis AL en un paciente joven.

We report a 35-year-old sportive man who was admitted to the emergency department for worsening of acute spontaneous abdominal pain appearing at rest. He only referred having lifted a tree trunk the day before, but he was used to perform such physical efforts. The clinical course at the emergency department was marked by the development of severe anemia secondary to a progressive splenic hematoma and acute pulmonary distress. The patient benefited from total splenectomy. Laboratory data showed hypogammaglobulinemia, proteinuria and the anatomopathological examinations of both spleen and kidneys were consistent with light chain amyloidosis.

Splenomegaly: Diagnosis and Management in Adults.

Splenomegaly can be due to several mechanisms but is almost always a sign of a systemic condition. Patient habits, travel, and medical conditions can increase risk of splenomegaly and suggest etiology. Symptoms can suggest infectious, malignant, hepatic, or hematologic causes. Physical examination will typically reveal splenomegaly, but abdominal ultrasonography is recommended for confirmation. Physical examination should also assess for signs of systemic illness, liver disease, and anemia or other hematologic issues. The most common causes of splenomegaly in the United States are liver disease, malignancy, and infection. Except for apparent causes such as infectious mononucleosis, basic laboratory analysis and ultrasonography are the first-line steps in determining etiology. Malaria and schistosomiasis are common in tropical regions, where as many as 80% of people may have splenomegaly. Management of splenomegaly involves treating the underlying disease process. Splenectomies and spleen reduction therapies are sometimes performed. Any patient with limited splenic function requires increased vaccination and prophylactic antibiotics for procedures involving the respiratory tract. Acute infections, anemia, and splenic rupture are the most common complications of splenomegaly, and people with splenomegaly should refrain from participating in contact sports to decrease risk of rupture.

Syphilis associated with abdominal trauma and splenic rupture in pregnancy.

We present a case of a pregnant woman in the third trimester who came to the Department of Emergency, Sf. Apostol Andrei Emergency County Hospital, Constanta, Romania, in September 2016, for abdominal pain and ascites. After admission, the patient was periodically tested (biochemically and by ultrasound). We also payed attention to the fetal well-being. During the hospitalization, the patient was also found positive for syphilis. Biochemical values have progressively altered, the fetus started to present acute fetal distress and the patient gave birth by Caesarean section after two days of hospitalization. The intraoperatory surprise was hemoperitoneum caused by posttraumatic splenic rupture. The relevance of this case consists in its rarity (we were not able to find in the literature a case with the association of pregnancy, syphilis, trauma, and splenic rupture), in the difficult histopathological clear assertion and in the clinical awareness of such a condition.

Adolescent With Spontaneous Splenic Rupture as a Cause of Hemoperitoneum in the Emergency Department: Case Report and Literature Review.

Spontaneous rupture of the spleen is a rare clinical condition that usually presents as a complication of a background pathology and can become a life-threatening condition if it is not diagnosed in time. We present the case of a 15-year-old girl with abdominal pain and clinical data of hypovolemic shock. The simple tomographic study revealed deformation of the splenic architecture and hemoperitoneum. Surgery demonstrated splenic rupture with ptosis spleen and intraperitoneal free blood. The anatomopathological examination showed the presence of splenomegaly and findings suggestive of peliosis. It also highlights the known causes related to spontaneous splenic rupture.