Splenic infarction due to transient antiphospholipid antibodies induced by acute Epstein-Barr virus infection

J Clin Virol. 2005 Mar;32(3):245-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jcv.2004.07.013.

Abstract

Splenic infarction is a rare feature of infectious mononucleosis (IM) due to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), limited to three case reports. We report the first case of splenic infarction during acute EBV infection associated with the transient induction of antiphospholipid antibodies. We discuss the role of antiphospholipid antibodies in thrombosis in acute viral infections and postulate other mechanisms of thrombosis. Once other more common causes of splenic infarction, such as endocarditis and lymphoma, have been excluded, the possibility of viral-induced antiphospholipid antibodies should be considered.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid / immunology*
  • Endocarditis / complications
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / complications*
  • Epstein-Barr Virus Infections / immunology
  • Female
  • Herpesvirus 4, Human
  • Humans
  • Lymphoma / complications
  • Splenic Infarction / diagnostic imaging
  • Splenic Infarction / immunology*
  • Splenic Infarction / virology*
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Antibodies, Antiphospholipid