Infectious Mononucleosis Lymphadenitis

Infectious Mononucleosis Lymphadenitis
Pei Lin, MD
This image shows Epstein-Barr virus infection involving a tonsil. Marked lymphoid hyperplasia with many tingible body macrophages, with focal karyorrhexis and exudate image, are shown.
Small to large lymphoid cells, eosinophils, and plasma cells are seen in this image of EBV lymphadenitis. The large cells image are immunoblasts with prominent nucleoli.
TERMINOLOGY
Synonyms
  • Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) lymphadenitis, Pfeiffer disease, glandular fever
ETIOLOGY/PATHOGENESIS
Infectious Agents
  • Epstein-Barr virus
CLINICAL ISSUES
Epidemiology
  • Age
    • Mostly adolescents and young adults in USA
    • Even younger age in developing countries
  • Gender
    • No gender preference
Presentation
  • Fever
  • Pharyngitis
  • Lymphadenopathy
  • Peripheral blood lymphocytosis of atypical lymphocytes
Laboratory Tests
  • Monospot test (a.k.a. heterophile antibody test)
  • EBV-specific antibody tests by immunofluorescence
    • Elevated IgM antiviral capsid antigen (VCA) and absence of antibodies to EBV nuclear antigen (anti-EBNA) indicate acute infection
Prognosis
  • Usually self-limited; EBV rarely fatal, mostly in patients with immunodeficiency
    • EBV can also cause hemophagocytic syndrome or chronic active EBV infection
MICROSCOPIC PATHOLOGY
Histologic Features
Jul 8, 2016 | Posted by in PATHOLOGY & LABORATORY MEDICINE | Comments Off on Infectious Mononucleosis Lymphadenitis

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