ABSTRACT
Case Report: As COVID-19 infections became more common, children began presenting with multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). It can be difficult to distinguish rare presentations of common diseases from MIS-C, especially when there has been a close contact with COVID-19. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a universally common infection with 90% of individuals showing serological signs of past infection. Both MIS-C and EBV can present with similar signs and symptoms. Our case aims to remind the reader to keep in mind uncommon presentations of common viral infections which may mimic MIS-C. Case Presentation: A previously healthy 5-year-old girl presented with persistent fevers for 12 days, associated with stomatitis, vomiting, and diarrhea. Physical exam was significant for a moderately ill-appearance, small (<1 cm) left posterior cervical lymphadenopathy, and soft palate and buccal oral ulcers. Initial labs (see Table) revealed leukocytosis with reactive lymphocytes and cholestatic hepatitis with mild coagulopathy. Although she had no respiratory symptoms, CT chest revealed left upper lobe pneumonia. Abdominal ultrasound showed diffuse hepatosplenomegaly, gallbladder wall thickening, and enlarged epigastric lymph nodes. Echocardiogram showed normal systolic function and coronary arteries without dilation. Extensive viral and bacterial nasal swab and serologic testing, including for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies, was negative. On Day 2, her Monospot was positive, along with EBV viral capsid antigen IgM and IgG with the absence of EBV nuclear antigen IgG. In addition, serum PCR was positive for EBV. Management and Outcome: Due to persistent fevers on Day 3 of broad-spectrum antibiotics, coupled with a close contact with active COVID infection, she was treated with the MIS-C protocol of intravenous immunoglobulin G (IVIG), prednisone, and aspirin. Within a day of IVIG, she improved clinically and fever resolved. By discharge on Day 8, her lab values had begun to normalize. Discussion(s): EBV is known to present in children with typical infective mononucleosis symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy. However, these can be lacking which makes the diagnosis challenging. Although hepatitis is a common sequalae of EBV, EBV induced pneumonitis and stomatitis are rare, especially in immunocompetent individuals. While our patient improved after treatment with IVIG, suggesting MIS-C, we still attribute her illness to EBV, as IVIG has been shown to provide antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefit in EBV infections. This case highlights the challenge of recognizing and overtreating rare presentations of common viral infections in the face of an emerging disease such as MIS-C. Significant Laboratory Values [Table presented] Copyright © 2023 Southern Society for Clinical Investigation.
ABSTRACT
In recent months there has been an increase in cases reports of hepatitis of unknown origin. The most affected population are children under 5 years of age, but it has been described in adolescents up to 16 years of age. The clinical presentation consists of cholestatic hepatitis with a prodrome of diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Prognosis is generally benign but, on average, 13% of patients have required admission to an intensive care unit and 10% a liver transplant. Etiological studies have associated this entity to adenoviral infections, but hypotheses include other infectious agents, either as a triggering factor or as its main etiology, toxins, and even immunizations against SARS-CoV-2. In the following review we present the data available to date regarding the different pathogenesis theories. Copyright © 2022, Sociedad Chilena de Infectologia. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis is well established, and most cases involves asymptomatic liver enzyme abnormalities. Albeit rare, viruses such as EBV have been reported to induce generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP);and exanthems such as GPP have been associated with acute hepatitis. This case describes a unique case of cholestatic hepatitis due to EBV, followed by a diffuse pustular rash suggestive of GPP. After complete resolution of the cholestatic hepatitis, the patient returned over a year later with concurrent hepatitis and diffuse pustular rash. Case: An obese 26 year-old African-American female presented to the hospital on three separate occasions over a 15 month span with slightly varying symptoms. At the index hospitalization she presented with fatigue and jaundice. Liver chemistries revlead a mixed pattern liver injury, see Table 1. Extensive serological evaluation was unremarkable, though antinuclear antibody and anti-smooth muscle antibody were mildly and non-specifically elevated, but IgG was normal. A liver biopsy was performed revealing portal and lobular inflammation with predominantly lymphocytic moderate micro-vesicular steatosis (Figure 1). EBV PCR returned positive at 20,737 IU/mL yielding a diagnoses of EBV-induced hepatitis. She returned to the hospital one week later due to a diffuse pruritic and painful rash. She had scleral icterus and diffuse erythematous plaques with tiny pustules dispersed over the body sparing the palms, soles, and mucosal surfaces. Laboratory values were overall improved as noted in Table 1. Punch biopsy of the right arm was suggestive of EBV induced GPP. She rapidly stabilized and was discharged the following day with triamcinolone 0.1% ointment. The patient had an uneventful convalescence and liver chemistries returned to normal. Approximately 15 months after her initial hospitalization, she presented with both recurrent hepatitis and a pustular, pruritic, erythematous rash with perioral and periorbital swelling. She denied taking any new medications or supplements. Labs revealed recurrent, though now primarily cholestatic liver injury, see Table 1. Results of a repeat thorough serological evaluation were negative, including for EBV-PCR and COVID-19. Abdominal ultrasound revealed a 16 cm hepatic length. Pustules, spongiosis, and edema were found on repeat skin biopsy, suggestive of GPP. She recovered quickly with systemic steroids. Awareness of GPP induced hepatitis can guide a judicious assessment of abnormal liver chemistries. Furthermore, unnecessary healthcare utilization can be avoided by providing appropriate and timely pharmacotherapy (i.e., corticosteroid taper) for on demand flares. (Figure Presented) (Table Presented) (Figure Presented)