J Pediatr Infect Dis 2014; 09(04): 193-195
DOI: 10.3233/JPI-140438
Case Report
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart – New York

Infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein Barr virus infection presenting as life threatening thrombocytopenic bleeding

M. Nandi
a   Department of Pediatrics, NRS Medical College, Kolkata, India
,
M.K. Das
b   Department of Pediatrics, IPGME&R, Kolkata, India
› Author Affiliations

Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

10 July 2014

13 August 2014

Publication Date:
28 July 2015 (online)

Abstract

Acute onset transient thrombocytopenia is a known complication of infectious mononucleosis due to Epstein Barr virus infection. Infectious mononucleosis presenting with severe thrombocytopenia resulting in life threatening bleeding is rare, and may cause diagnostic confusion with more sinister conditions like acute leukemia. We report one such case of severe bleeding in association with Epstein Barr virus infection in a previously healthy adolescent girl and discuss the possible mechanisms of thrombocytopenia in infectious mononucleosis.