2464 A Case of Acute Icteric Hepatitis Caused by Epstein Barr Virus in an Immunocompetent Adult

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) is a viral infection that can often remain asymptomatic but is also a major cause of infectious mononucleosis. Patients often present with sore throat, fever, lymphadenopathy and can develop splenomegaly. EBV-associated hepatitis is uncommon and cases with clinical jaundice are rare. CASE DESCRIPTION/METHODS: A 23-year old male without significant past medical history presented with one week of flu-like symptoms and acute onset of a generalized pruritic rash, right upper quadrant (RUQ) abdominal pain and dizziness. He denied any recent alcohol consumption, IV drug use or new medication initiation. On arrival to the emergency department the patient was afebrile with a blood pressure 130/84. Physical exam revealed scleral icterus and cutaneous jaundice, a diffuse macular rash was across his face, chest and arms and he had tender hepatomegaly. He was alert and oriented without confusion. Laboratory examination revealed a leukocytosis of 11.8, a total bilirubin of 15.8, direct bilirubin of 13.3, an INR of 1.2, ammonia of 26, an alkaline phosphatase of 499, and an ALT of 615 with AST of 405 signifying acute hepatitis. A urine drug screen was negative. A RUQ ultrasound with doppler showed no evidence of Budd-Chiari or portal vein thrombus; fatty infiltration of the liver was seen with no evidence of cholelithiasis or common bile duct obstruction. Hepatitis A, B and C viral screen was negative, acetaminophen level was within normal limits, HIV antibody test was negative, herpes virus IgM negative, CMV IgM negative, anti-smooth muscle antibody negative for autoimmune hepatitis. Ceruloplasmin and alpha-1 antitrypsin levels were not suggestive of Wilson's disease or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency. A peripheral smear showed reactive lymphocytosis. There was significant elevation in EBV IgM and heterophile antibody suggesting systemic Epstein Barr viral infection as the cause of acute hepatitis. Over the next 3 days, his liver enzymes began trending down slowly with symptomatic management and he was determined stable for discharge with plans for 2 and 4 week follow ups to monitor for resolving acute EBV hepatitis. DISCUSSION: It is important to remember that, although rare, EBV can cause hepatitis with diffuse jaundice and significant hyperbilirubinemia along with AST and ALT levels over 10 times the upper limit of normal. Such presentation could easily be misconstrued as an alternative diagnosis and patient safety compromised with unnecessary treatment.