Acute Epstein-Barr virus infection complicated by severe thrombocytopenia.

ABSTRACT

We describe one patient with acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection associated with severe thrombocytopenia and review 36 additional cases reported in the literature. Complications of EBV infection due to severe thrombocytopenia occurred in 10 (27.0%) of 37 patients, and 2 (5.4%) of 37 patients died. Although acute EBV infections are generally benign and self-limiting, thrombocytopenia, a potentially serious complication, should not be overlooked.