Infectious Mononucleosis Revealed by Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drug: A First Clinical Report

TL;DR

A 32-year-old woman's rash from ibuprofen revealed undiagnosed infectious mononucleosis, the first reported case linking NSAIDs to this condition.

Contribution

First clinical report linking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to the presentation of infectious mononucleosis.

Findings

A maculopapular rash following ibuprofen use revealed undiagnosed Epstein-Barr virus infection.

This case is the first to document a connection between NSAID administration and IM symptoms.

The report emphasizes the importance of considering IM in patients with unexplained drug-induced rashes.

Abstract

Infectious mononucleosis (IM), primarily caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is a common viral illness among adolescents and young adults. IM typically presents with symptoms such as fever, lymphadenopathy, and pharyngitis. We present a case of a 32-year-old woman who developed a maculopapular rash following ibuprofen administration, revealing an underlying undiagnosed IM. Laboratory investigations confirmed EBV infection. This represents the first documented case linking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to IM presentation. Awareness of this association is crucial for timely diagnosis and management, especially when evaluating patients with unexplained skin reactions to medications.