A Rare Case of Epstein-Barr Virus: Infectious Mononucleosis Complicated by Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Infectious mononucleosis (IM) is an acute disease caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection affecting adolescents and young adults. Clinically, IM presents with fever, lymphadenopathy, and tonsillar pharyngitis. Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been reported as a possible rare complication of IM. IM-induced GBS is known but rarely reported in the literature. Here, we describe the case of a 19-year-old male with no significant medical history who was diagnosed with GBS following EBV-associated IM. A 19-year-old Caucasian male presented from a referring facility after complaining of generalized weakness involving the upper and lower extremity for about five days. Symptoms began with a sensation of tingling and numbness in the fingertips and toes that progressed over five days to where he was no longer able to ambulate. Physical examination was significant for oropharyngeal exudates, posterior oropharyngeal erythema, tonsillar hypertrophy, cervical lymphadenopathy, flaccid paralysis with areflexia, and paresthesia. Diagnostic workup was consistent with IM and GBS based on cerebrospinal findings. He was subsequently admitted to the intensive care unit, where he received plasmapheresis and intravenous immunoglobulin with significant improvement. This is a rare case of EBV-associated IM GBS. IM is a self-limiting disease but can lead to GBS as one of the known but rare complications. Neurological events have been reported in approximately 2% of patients. Only a few cases of IM leading to GBS have been reported in the literature. Detailed history and physical examination can help identify patients with IM-induced GBS. Moreover, increased awareness can help physicians easily identify and manage GBS, enabling timely recognition and initiation of prompt supportive care to improve recovery time.