Abstract
Currently, infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a clinically diagnosed condition. According to the American Family Physician criteria for IM, splenomegaly is the key factor that distinguishes IM from other causes of sore throat. Though heterophile antibody tests are often ordered to confirm diagnosis of IM, this test has a high false-negative rate early in the course of the disease. This case report provides an example of how the use of ultrasound to diagnose splenomegaly and subsequently mononucleosis increases diagnostic accuracy.
Highlights
Bedside ultrasound is a fast, accessible, and cost-effective tool for clinical evaluation of patient symptoms. This case report investigates the use of ultrasound in the evaluation and diagnosis of splenomegaly in mononucleosis
Since splenic enlargement was not detected on physical exam, ultrasound imaging was performed to rule out splenomegaly
The presence of palatal petechiae, splenomegaly, and posterior cervical adenopathy are highly suggestive of infectious mononucleosis [1]
Summary
Background Bedside ultrasound is a fast, accessible, and cost-effective tool for clinical evaluation of patient symptoms. This case report investigates the use of ultrasound in the evaluation and diagnosis of splenomegaly in mononucleosis. Symptoms that should arouse clinical suspicion of mononucleosis include sore throat, lymph node enlargement, fever, and tonsillar enlargement. Evaluation of splenomegaly is imperative in the diagnosis and patient management of mononucleosis.
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