Acute Epstein-Barr virus hepatitis presenting clinically as ascending cholangitis in an immunocompetent patient

Abstract

Symptomatic acute Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) hepatitis, without associated infectious mononucleosis syndrome, is exceptionally rare. A 30-year-old female presented to hospital with jaundice, fevers, and right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Her blood tests demonstrated marked hyperbilirubinemia and mild global liver function test abnormalities consistent with obstructive jaundice. Preliminary imaging with ultrasound showed gallbladder wall thickening and cholelithiasis, suggestive of potential cholecystitis. Authors were concerned for potential ascending cholangitis in the setting of her hyperbilirubinemia. The diagnosis was refuted after magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography demonstrated no choledocholithiasis. A hepatic panel was performed which revealed positive EBV IgM serology. This case highlights the importance of considering EBV hepatitis as a potential differential diagnosis in patients with right upper quadrant pain, fevers and jaundice in the absence of an obstructing cause.