Epstein-Barr viral hepatitis: an unusual case and review of the literature
Jacobson, I.M.; Gang, D.L.; Schapiro, R.H.
American Journal of Gastroenterology 79(8): 628-632
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9270 PMID: 6087655 Document Number: 237797
We report a patient with icteric hepatitis and abdominal pain caused by Epstein-Barr virus in the absence of other common features of infectious mononucleosis. The peak alanine aminotransferase was 289 IU/I. Hemolytic anemia and urinary retention complicated the patient's course. Patients with infectious mononucleosis commonly have hepatic involvement but isolated symptomatic hepatitis is unusual. Although rare cases of liver failure have been reported, there is no evidence that Epstein Barr virus causes chronic liver disease. The clinical and histological features of Epstein Barr virus-induced hepatitis are reviewed.