[Intense icterus in the course of EBV infectious mononucleosis]

Abstract

Infectious mononucleosis induced by the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is a benign illness that is frequently accompanied by a slight hepatic disfunction. On occasion it may be accompanied by autoimmune hemolytic anemia of little clinical importance. Nevertheless, this association can cause a serious set of symptoms that can put the patient's life in danger if it is not treated quickly. We present the case of a 21-year-old male with infectious mononucleosis and severe jaundice (total bilirubin 40 mg/dl) due to the combination of diseased liver and secondary autoimmune hemolytic anemia, caused by the EBV infection.