A Case of Infectious Mononucleosis with a Secondary Peritonsillar Abscess

Abstract

A 24-year-old male with severe sore throat, poor oral intake and pharyngolaryngeal edema was referred to our hospital. After making a diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis based on the laboratory data and a physical examination, we started to treat the patient without antibiotics. Following intravenous drip infusion and inhalation therapy, the symptoms ameliorated. However, the pain in the left side of the pharynx again deteriorated, and swelling of the left soft palate developed. We diagnosed the patient as having a secondary peritonsillar abscess. The pus was drained with an incision of the left lateral wall of the pharynx and the symptoms improved. There are various kinds of reports related to complications of infectious mononucleosis, however a case of peritonsillar abscess is rare. Although antibiotic medication for infectious mononucleosis is not generally recommended, we must examine the prescription of antibiotics carefully depending on each case, considering the possibility of aggravation of bacterial infection as secondary abscess formation following infectious mononucleosis.